Abstract: A method for managing a content addressable memory (CAM) look-up table using the longest prefix matching (LPM) is provided. The method includes providing a pair of pointers per every band of data having the same prefix in length, wherein one of the pair of pointers stores the address of data having the lowest address in each band of data, and the other pointer of the pair of pointers stores the next higher address of data having the highest address in each band of data; and making a space in which data is to be added in the CAM look-up table by moving data having the addresses stored in the pair of pointers provided per each band of data that has a shorter prefix length than the prefix length of the data to be added, when data is added to the CAM look-up table. According to the method, it is possible to easily and efficiently add new data into the look-up table of the CAM.

Abstract: A VC merging apparatus and a method of establishing or terminating connection as well as a recording medium storing instructions for embodying the same method are disclosed. The method of establishing/terminating connection includes the steps of; a) determining a kind of connection with reference to connection parameters according to an order of connection establishment or termination from a central controller; b) establishing/terminating a multi point-to-point connection based on ingress/egress connection labels, if the kind of the connection is a VC merging connection; and c) establishing/terminating a point-to-point connection based on the ingress/egress connection labels, if the kind of the connection is a non-VC merging connection.