Abstract: Managing TCAM entries within a TCAM matrix for use in a data packet routing device is disclosed. Additionally, a computer readable medium containing instructions to cause a processor to perform the method is also disclosed. One method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a plurality of information base agents for managing respective information bases, wherein the information bases include route data; (2) maintaining a list of TCAM entries that are available for assignment; (3) allocating blocks of available TCAM entries to each of the plurality of information base agents; (4) the plurality of information base agents storing route data into the TCAM entries of their respective blocks of TCAM entries; (5) determining that one information base agent of the plurality of information base agents needs additional TCAM entries; (6) providing additional TCAM entries to the one information base agent; and (7) updating the list of TCAM entries available for assignment.

Abstract: A method and system for internal data loop back in a packet switch is provided. In some instances, the switch may be required to process multiple layers of a header within the data packet, such as when data is transferred over the network encapsulated with a TCP header at the Transport Layer to form a TCP packet, then encapsulated with an IP header at the Network Layer to form an IP packet, then encapsulated with one or more MPLS headers to form a MPLS packet, and then encapsulated with an Ethernet header at the Link Layer to form an Ethernet packet. In such an instance, the data packet can be iteratively processed by the packet switch using an internal loop back technique. An internal loop back may be accomplished by using a header providing internal routing instructions resulting in the data packet being routed directly from an egress queue back to an ingress queue whereupon the lower levels of the header can be processed.