Processing request keys based on a key size supported by underlying processing elements

摘要

A packet classification system, methods, and apparatus are provided for packet classification. A processor of a router coupled to a network processes data packets received from a network. The processor creates a request key using information extracted from a packet. The processor splits the request key into an n number of partial request keys if at least one predetermined criterion is met. The processor also sends a non-final request that includes an i-th partial request key to a corresponding search table of an n number of search tables, wherein in. Further, the processor receives a non-final search result from the corresponding search table. The processor sends a final request that includes an n-th partial request key and the non-final search result. The processor receives a final search result from the corresponding search table and processing the packet based on processing data included in the final search result.