Patent ID: 7042889

Claim:
A network switch for receiving and forwarding data packets that include header data containing address information, comprising: (a) a look-up engine disposed to perform a look-up in a database so as to obtain for each packet in a succession of packets respective resultant data which comprises forwarding data for the packet; (b) a store; and (c) a network processor for processing data in said store; wherein said switch: (i) determines whether intervention of the network processor in respect of said packet is required; (ii) in the event that such intervention is not required provides said resultant data for said packet; (iii) in the event that said intervention is required causes storage of said resultant data in said store; (iv) allows said processor to process said resultant data to provide processed resultant data; and (v) provides said resultant data for said packet after the completion of the processing of said resultant data by said network processor.