AbstractPipelined protocol processors are used in high‐speed networks such as FDDI for achieving high‐throughput data communications between end users. In this paper, we present a model for computing the maximum throughput that can be delivered by such processors.The parameters of the model are: input packet length, length of PDU (Protocol Data Unit) and SDU (Service Data Unit) headers, packet processing time of pipeline stages, capacity of the FIFO channels that interconnect stages, and average number of packets assembled/segmented at a stage.As an example, the maximum throughput of an idealized pipelined processor that executes the FDDI, LLC Class I, IP, and TCP protocols is computed. Also, we show that the formulas given in [1] and [2] are particular cases of the formulas presented in this paper.In a typical application of the proposed model, some desired, or measured, throughput characteristics of a protocol processor will be given, and the parameters of the processor will be computed.