Link data is stored in a distributed link descriptor memory (“DLDM”) including memory instances storing protocol data unit (“PDU”) link descriptors (“PLDs”) or cell link descriptors (“CLDs”). Responsive to receiving a request for buffering a current transfer data unit (“TDU”) in a current PDU, a current PLD is accessed in a first memory instance in the DLDM. It is determined whether any data field designated to store address information in connection with a TDU is currently unoccupied within the current PLD. If no data field designated to store address information in connection with a TDU is currently unoccupied within the current PLD, a current CLD is accessed in a second memory instance in the plurality of memory instances of the same DLDM. Current address information in connection with the current TDU is stored in an address data field within the current CLD.