Patent ID: 6876655
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for routing a data packet from a forwarding router to a downstream router comprising the steps of: (a) providing the data packet with a header including an address, said address including at least one bit string; (b) providing the forwarding router with a database including a plurality of prefixes; (c) looking up, via a first data structure in said database of the forwarding router, said prefix that best matches said bit string of said address of the data packet; (d) attaching a clue that is related to said best matching prefix to the data packet; (e) providing the downstream router with a database including a plurality of prefixes; (f) forwarding the data packet with said clue by the forwarding router to the downstream router; and, (g) looking up, via a second data structure in said database of the downstream router, said prefix that best matches said bit string of said address of the data packet, said looking up being effected with reference to said clue.