Patent ID: 6615311
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G11C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for updating a content addressable memory (CAM) that prioritizes CAM entries according to their associated prefix lengths, wherein the priority level of CAM entries increases as the prefix length increases and wherein each different prefix length represents a different prefix level within said CAM, said method comprising:(a) identifying a new entry that is to be added to said CAM, said new entry having a prefix length and a desired prefix level that is defined by said prefix length; (b) identifying a free location in said CAM that is the fewest number of prefix levels away from said desired prefix level; (c) moving a first entry into said free location, thereby creating a newly freed location in the former location of said first entry, wherein said newly freed location is a fewer number of prefix levels away from said desired prefix level than said free location; (d) repeating step (c) until a free location is created at said desired prefix level; and (e) inserting said new entry into said free location that is created at said desired prefix level.