A computer implemented method processes STREAMS messages over an Infiniband system area network. STREAMS messages received at a STREAMS over Infiniband module from a STREAMS based application are encapsulated in Infiniband verbs to create an encapsulated STREAMS message. A STREAMS identifier header is appended onto the Infiniband verb. The STREAMS over Infiniband module forwards the encapsulated STREAMS message to a streams interface layer where the encapsulated STREAMS message is then forwarded to a host channel adapter of the Infiniband system area network.