Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing a pointer and stake model for frame alteration code in a network processor. A current pointer and a stake are provided for a packet selected for transmit. The current pointer is maintained for tracking a current position for frame alteration operations in the packet. The stake is maintained for tracking a start of a current header for frame alteration operations in the packet. The current pointer is used by frame alteration code instructions to specify a sequence of operations relative to the current pointer. The specified frame alteration sequence is compact in terms of code size to operate on data within a small window of bytes. Advance pointer instructions allow the current and stake pointers to be advanced an arbitrary number of bytes into the packet.

Abstract: Improved scalability and performance for label switched routers are provided. Large numbers of interfaces may be readily accommodated. In one implementation, label imposition is divided between ingress and egress linecards so that the interface supporting a given service can be the one to impose any needed corresponding label.