Reconfigurable data packet header processor

A method for improving network data packet handling comprising the steps of:

• storing data protocol specific data packet header field information in a data register,
• decoding the header data of an incoming data packet,
• determining the data protocol type of said data packet,
• extracting desired fields of said data packet header based upon said data protocol specific data packet field header information, and
• routing said data packet to its intended destination.

A device for improved data header extraction, comprising the following:

• a dedicated configuration component means for configuring only packet header characteristics for at least one data protocol, said packet header characteristics including at least header field length, header field location and header field type,
• a programmable header processor logic block means controlled by said configuration component means,
• a data register means for storing header information for use in header field extraction by said programmable header processor logic block, and
• at least one field offset stored for said protocol specific header information, counting said field offset from the start of said data packet.