Patent ID: 7373514

Claim:
Apparatus for use in data retrieval, comprising: a hash value generator configured to generate an index value and a signature value, based on input data, a first memory array configured to receive the index value as an address, said first memory array is further configured to output, in response to said index value, a data unit comprising a plurality of signature values arranged in respective positions in said data unit; and a comparator configured to receive the signature value and said data unit from the first memory array, the comparator is further configured to compare the signature value with the plurality of signature values of said data unit, and if a match is found, said comparator is further configured to generate an address signal including said address of said index value and the position corresponding to the matching signature values in a second memory array, said second memory array configured to receive said address signal including said index value and the position corresponding to the matching signature values and, in response thereto, output payload data without serially searching a linked list associated with said second memory array.