Abstract: The technology of this application relates to a data processing method and apparatus, and a chip, to improve resource utilization. In one embodiment, a first field is added to a packet header at a protocol layer. The first field indicates which layer is an upper layer (or an inner layer) of the protocol layer. When data encapsulation or decapsulation is performed based on the first field, an unnecessary protocol layer can be skipped based on a requirement. In another embodiment, a second field is added to a packet header at an encapsulated protocol layer. The second field indicates a packet header format used at the current protocol layer. Different packet header formats include different quantities of fields, different packet header formats include different quantities of bits occupied by same fields, or different packet header formats include different quantities of fields and different quantities of bits occupied by one or more fields.

Abstract: This application provides a load sharing method and apparatus, and a chip, which are applicable to a scenario of a complex combination and hybrid procedure. When sending a data packet, a transmit end adds different values to a first field of the data packet for different flow types of data flows, to indicate a forwarding device to use different load sharing rules. When hybrid traffic exists in complex networking, different load sharing rules are used for traffic of different flow types. Compared with configuring the forwarding device to use a fixed load sharing rule for all traffic, a better load sharing effect can be achieved.