System and Method for a Flexible Number of Lookups in Pipeline-Based Packet Processors

摘要

A system and method for a flexible number of lookups in pipeline-based packet processors. Pipeline-based packet processors can be configured to allow multiple lookups per physical table. In one embodiment, a start of packet (SOP) cell is assigned to a first slot of a packet processing pipeline, and a non-SOP cell is assigned to a second slot of a packet processing pipeline. Access of a table by the second slot can be usurped by the SOP cell in the first slot.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
assigning a start of packet (SOP) cell to a first slot of a packet processing pipeline; accessing a table using first information associated with the SOP cell when the first slot of the packet processing pipeline advances to stage i; and accessing the table using second information associated with the SOP cell when the first slot of the packet processing pipeline subsequently advances to stage j, wherein the access of the table when the SOP cell advances to stage j usurps an access of the table by a second slot, which follows the first slot, when the second slot advances to stage i.