Thread efficiency for a multi-threaded network processor

A method, comprising:

• storing a route table;
• operating a worker thread of a set of threads to control transmissions over a variable quantity of routes in the route table;
• selecting the worker thread based in part on a determination of a workload of the worker thread;
• and
• assigning the worker thread of the set of threads to transmit a set of data over a route of the route table.

A set of instructions residing in a storage medium, said set of instructions capable of being executed by a processor to implement a method for processing data, the method comprising:

• storing a route table;
• operating a worker thread of a set of threads to control transmissions over a variable quantity of routes in the route table;
• selecting the worker thread based in part on a workload for the worker thread;
• and
• assigning the worker thread of the set of threads to transmit a set of data over a route of the route table.

A system, comprising:

• a random access memory to store a route table;
• a storage memory to store a set of timer values, with a timer value for each active route in the route table;
• and
• a micro-engine to operate a set of threads, wherein the set of threads includes a worker thread to control transmissions over a variable quantity of routes in the route table and a tracker thread decoupled from the worker thread to track the set of timer values.

A method, comprising:

• storing a route table;
• storing a set of timer values, with a timer value for each active route in the route table;
• operating a worker thread to control transmissions over a variable quantity of routes in the route table;
• and
• operating a tracker thread decoupled from the worker thread to track the set of timer values.

A set of instructions residing in a storage medium, said set of instructions capable of being executed by a processor to implement a method for processing data, the method comprising:

• storing a route table;
• storing a set of timer values, with a timer value for each active route in the route table;
• operating a worker thread to control transmissions over a variable quantity of routes in the route table;
• and
• operating a tracker thread decoupled from the worker thread to track the set of timer values.