A method and apparatus for performing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) process is provided. The CRC is capable of being performed on data received out of order without having to store and assemble the data. One exemplary method for computing a CRC for a transmitted data stream initiates with performing a CRC process on a first segment of the data stream to generate a first CRC remainder. Next, the first CRC remainder for the first segment is projected. Then, the CRC process on a second segment of the data stream is performed to generate a second CRC remainder. Next, the second CRC remainder for the second segment is projected. Then, the projected remainders are combined to calculate a complete CRC remainder for the data stream in an order independent fashion. Data streams including multiple segments can be handled by the CRC process.