High speed apparatus and method for classifying a data packet based on data values contained in the data packet

Abstract

A device for classifying input data based on the values of first and second data of the input data includes a content addressable memory having one or more rows. A first row includes first and second memories, first and second comparators, and a first hit line. The first memory stores second minimum and maximum values defining a second range. The first and second comparators determine whether or not the first and second data fall within the first and second ranges, respectively. The first hit line outputs a first logic value when the first data falls within the first range and the second data falls within the second range. Conversely, the first hit line outputs a second logic value when the first data falls outside the first range or the second data falls outside the second range.