Abstract: To optimize the multi-table search process, the present disclosure defines a method in which searching across multiple OpenFlow tables is consolidated into searching across a set of three distinct flow caches called access control, application, and forward flow caches. Each OpenFlow table is mapped into one of these flow caches based on the size of the table and whether it contains flows of different priority. The mapping rule ensures that large (in terms of number of entries) OpenFlow tables with no conflicting priority rules are mapped to a flow cache. The disclosed techniques reduce the number of searches and, at the same time, selectively avoid a costly process of revalidation of entries in the flow cache when new higher-priority flows are added by the SDN controller.