Method of implementing L3 switching, network address port translation, and ALG support using a combination of hardware and firmware

摘要

An apparatus provides a hardware-based solution to enable support for L3 switching, network address port translation and application level gateways. The architecture involved in this hardware approach is such that it is scalable for implementation in a variety networking products that fulfill enterprise security and all possible combinations of wired and wireless networking needs, such as access points, access point concentrators, wireless-ready wiring closet or edge switches, and wireless co-processors.