Efficient routing table lookup for IPv6

Abstract

High performance internetworking units, such as routers and bridges are key building blocks of current and emerging high performance networks. The aggregate data rate flowing through a router can be in the range of gigabits per second. In order to keep up with very high data rates, processing within the internetworking unit needs to be optimized. This paper concentrates on routing table look up. It presents a design for a routing table look up for gigabit routers running the new version of IP, EPv6. The proposed approach, HeaRT, is viewed as the core engine of an IM router.