Patent ID: 6810037
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for searching a table in a network switch, comprising the steps of:dividing a primary lookup table into a first sub-table and a second sub-table; searching said first sub-table with a first search engine, wherein said step of searching said first sub-table with the first search engine further comprises the steps of; comparing a desired entry to a stored entry located at a selected memory address location having a first value within said first sub-table, determining a hit if said stored entry located at said selected memory address location is equal to said desired entry, decrementing the first value of said selected memory address location to a second value of the next selected memory address location to be compared to said desired entry if said stored entry is greater than said desired entry being compared thereto, incrementing the first value of said selected memory address location to the second value of a next selected memory address location to be compared to said desired entry if said stored entry is less than said desired entry being compared thereto, and continuing the steps of comparing said desired entry to said stored entry, determining a hit if said stored entry is equal to said desired entry, and incrementing or decrementing the second value of said selected memory address location to achieve a third value of said next selected memory address location to be compared, until a hit is determined for said desired entry, or if a hit is not determined for said desired entry, then comparing a final stored entry located at a final selected memory address location within said second sub-table to said desired entry; and simultaneously searching said second sub-table with a second search engine.