Disclosed are methods and apparatus for combining data segments. At a combiner node, data segments are received from a first node that are destined for a second node. At the combiner node, the received data segments are combined and buffered with previously buffered data segments from the first node if present until a first condition is met. At the combiner node, at least a portion of the combined data segments are sent to the second node when the first condition is met. The received data segments are combined in the combiner node prior to being sent to the second node so as to reduce processing and/or storage resources consumed by the second node.