Exact match hash lookup databases in network switch devices

摘要

In a method for forwarding packets in a network device a plurality of hash values is generated based on a lookup key. The plurality of hash values includes at least a first hash value generated using a first hash function, a second hash value generated using a second hash function and a third hash value generated using a third hash function. The third hash function is different from the first hash function and the second hash function. An entry in a lookup table is selected using the first hash value and the second hash value, wherein the selected entry includes an offset for the lookup key. A forwarding entry in a forwarding table is selected using the third hash value and the offset for the lookup key, wherein the forwarding entry corresponds to the lookup key. The packet is forwarded to one or more ports of the network device using the selected forwarding entry.