Method for TCAM lookup using a key in multi-threaded packet processors

摘要

A method, apparatus and computer program product for performing TCAM lookups in multi-threaded packet processors is presented. A Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) key is constructed for a packet and a Packet Reference Number (PRN) is generated. The TCAM key and the packet are tagged with the PRN. The TCAM key and the PRN are sent to a TCAM and in parallel the packet and the PRN are sent to a packet processing thread. The PRN is used to read the TCAM result when it is ready.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method in which a computer system performs operations comprising:
constructing a Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) key for a packet wherein said constructing a TCAM key comprises pre-classifying said packet based on a packet type of said packet and user configurations, and using said packet type and said user configurations to extract fields of said packet; generating a Packet Reference Number (PRN); tagging said TCAM key and said packet with said PRN; sending said TCAM key and said PRN to a TCAM and in parallel sending said packet and said PRN to a packet processing thread.