Abstract: There are provided a hardware accelerator and method for providing hardware acceleration for an application server and/or a layer 7 switch. The hardware accelerator includes a content access memory (CAM) configured to accelerate string comparison operations in the application server and/or layer 7 switch. The string comparison operations involve strings having varying key string positions.

Abstract: A method for providing a provisioning key for connecting a computer to a computer network is disclosed. Initially, an order for an electronic device, such as a computer or a personal digital assistant, is placed by an user. The electronic device includes a network communication device capable of providing communication between the electronic device and a computer network. During the purchasing process, the user is prompted to answer a few questions. According to the answers given by the user, corresponding provisioning information for the network communication device within the electronic device is then generated. The provisioning information is stored in a portable medium that can be readily recognized by the electronic device. The portable medium is then delivered to the user.