Method and apparatus for network load balancing using indirection ram during classification

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for load balancing across multiple routes using an indirection table and hash function during a process of packet classification are disclosed. A network device such as a router includes a memory, a hash component, and a result memory. The memory is referred to as an indirection random access memory ('RAM'), is capable of storing information regarding number of paths from source devices to destination devices. The memory, in one embodiment, provides a base index value and a range number indicating the number of paths associated with the base index value. The hash component generates a hash index in response to the base index value and the range number. Upon generation of hash index, the result memory identifies a classification result in response to the hash index.