A method for assigning an identifier to data processed through protocol
layers in one or more computers over a network. A space for the
identifier is reserved in the header of each protocol layer. The
identifier is then generated at one of the protocol layers. In an
embodiment, the identifier is generated at the lowest protocol layer of a
computer that sends the data, i.e., the sending computer. Once the
identifier is generated, it is then stored in the reserved space in the
header.