A method and apparatus are disclosed for prefragmenting or presegmenting data. A data protocol type and length are provided. Based on the type and length, a linked list memory buffer structure is determined. Locations within the memory buffer structure for storage of data therein is also determined allowing for sufficient unused memory therein to support one of a fragmentation operation and a segmentation operation subsequent to memory allocation. As such, further memory allocation during a fragmentation operation or a segmentation operation is obviated. The determined memory buffer structure is then allocated.