Data packet forwarding method and network device

A network device, wherein a self-learning function of a hardware layer of the network device is disabled and maintains a first match table, wherein a self-learning function of a software layer of the network device is enabled and maintains a second match table, wherein the network device is a switch or a router, and wherein the network device comprises:

• a network interface;
• a memory coupled to the network interface and configured to store programs;
• and
• a processor coupled to the network interface and the memory, wherein the programs, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to be configured to:
• receive a data packet;
• determine whether the first match table includes an entry matching the data packet;
• obtain a local physical address and a destination physical address of the data packet when the first match table does not include the entry matching the data packet;
• compare the local physical address to the destination physical address;
• when the comparison indicates that the local physical address is different than the destination physical address:
• search the second match table for an entry in which a physical address matches the destination physical address when the local physical address is different from the destination physical address;
• generate a layer 2 forwarding entry according to the entry matching the destination physical address;
• and
• forward the data packet according to the layer 2 forwarding entry.