Abstract: A router receives a packet at an ingress interface. The router classifies the received packet based on at least a first field value contained in the header of the packet. According to the classification of the received packet, the router associates one of the plurality of forwarding tables to the packet. The router then performs a lookup operation in the associated forwarding table according to at least a second field value contained in the header of the packet. Based on the lookup operation, the router determines an egress interface and transmits the received packet from the determined egress interface.

Abstract: A router receives a packet at an ingress interface. The router classifies the received packet based on at least a first field value contained in the header of the packet. According to the classification of the received packet, the router associates one of the plurality of forwarding tables to the packet. The router then performs a lookup operation in the associated forwarding table according to at least a second field value contained in the header of the packet. Based on the lookup operation, the router determines an egress interface and transmits the received packet from the determined egress interface.

Abstract: A router receives destination address information for a packet and determines, among entries in a first forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information. The router receives a pointer to a second forwarding table in accordance with the closest match determined in the first forwarding table and determines, among entries in the second forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information.

Abstract: A router receives a packet at an ingress interface. The router classifies the received packet based on at least a first field value contained in the header of the packet. According to the classification of the received packet, the router associates one of the plurality of forwarding tables to the packet. The router then performs a lookup operation in the associated forwarding table according to at least a second field value contained in the header of the packet. Based on the lookup operation, the router determines an egress interface and transmits the received packet from the determined egress interface.

Abstract: A router receives destination address information for a packet and determines, among entries in a first forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information. The router receives a pointer to a second forwarding table in accordance with the closest match determined in the first forwarding table and determines, among entries in the second forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information.

Abstract: A network router employs a single board architecture that includes both a forwarding engine and an interface card concentrator. All of the circuits involved in routing are incorporated into a single board, reducing the system cost of the router. A single processor performs various functions in connection with these circuits, such as management of interface cards and the forwarding engine. In addition to lowering the system cost, the compact architecture allows higher density installation of interface cards.

Abstract: Techniques are described for distribution of label switched packets, such as multiprotocol label switched (MPLS) packets, across multiple physical data paths. The techniques may, for example, be used to load balance the label switched packets across an aggregated link having two or more logically associated physical interconnects. A network device, for example, includes an interface card to receive packets associated with a common label switched path (LSP), and a control unit to distribute the packets across multiple paths. The network device may include label data that maps ranges of labels, such as MPLS labels, to types of payloads carried by the label switched packets. In accordance with the label data, the control unit extracts flow information from the label switched packets and distributes the label switched packets across the paths based on the flow information.

Abstract: A router receives destination address information for a packet and determines, among entries in a first forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information. The router receives a pointer to a second forwarding table in accordance with the closest match determined in the first forwarding table and determines, among entries in the second forwarding table, a closest match for the received destination address information.