Abstract: A method performs a lookup on a search key word, employing a trie database including multiple trie blocks that include pointers to other trie blocks. Each trie is accessible by means of a segment of the search key. A selected section of the search key word is applied to a content addressable memory. In the event of an absence of a match of the selected section with an entry in the content addressable memory, a trie search is performed on the whole search key word. In the event of a match of the selected section with an entry in the content addressable memory, a partial trie search is performed, commencing with a first segment of the search key word after the selected section that has been matched in the content addressable memory.

Abstract: A search engine operable to search on a search key word of a given length comprises a trie database which supports a trie search on keys of the given length and a content addressable memory organized to receive a most significant section of the search key word. The search engine performs a full trie search on the whole of said search key word in the event of no match of a most significant section within the content addressable memory. In the event of a match within the content addressable memory the search engine performs a partial trie search commencing with a trie block pertaining to a first segment of the search key word after the most significant section which has already been matched.