In one embodiment, a method includes determining a first template defining a data format for one or more first data records and a second template defining a data format for one or more second data records. The template may be needed to decode the information included in an associated data record. The first template is sent on a first stream of a multi-stream protocol in an ordered fashion, such as SCTP. The one or more first data records are also sent on the first stream in an ordered fashion and include first flow information for data sent through a network device. A second template is sent on a second stream using the multi-stream protocol in an ordered fashion. One or more second data records are sent on the second stream including second flow information for data sent through the network device.