Patent ID: 7272140
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An address retrieval apparatus including: a divided bit string generating unit for dividing an original bit string into a plurality of divided bit strings, each of which has one of plural different hierarchical levels, said original bit string providing a route information which defines a route to a final destination for data transmission through a communication network; a transfer destination distribution information storage unit for storing a transfer destination distribution information which indicates a distributed transfer destination for data transmission in accordance with said route information; a retrieval table including a hierarchical tree structure which comprises said divided bit strings and plural retrieval table nodes, wherein each of said plural retrieval table nodes further includes at least one of a next retrieval table node designation information indicating a next retrieval table node based on corresponding one of said divided bit strings and a transfer destination distribution information storage location designation information designating a location at which said transfer destination distribution information is stored in said transfer destination distribution information storage unit; a hierarchy definition unit for shifting up by one level a hierarchy level of said retrieval table node to execute a retrieval process with reference to said retrieval table node until said hierarchy definition unit retrieves said transfer destination distribution information storage location designation information from said retrieval table node, and said hierarchy definition unit defining one hierarchy level upon retrieval of said transfer destination distribution information storage location designation information; and a transfer destination distribution information acquiring unit for acquiring said transfer destination distribution information from said retrieval table node based on said transfer destination distribution information storage location designation information retrieved by said hierarchy definition unit from said retrieval table node with said defined hierarchy level.