Method and apparatus for processing frames using static and dynamic classifiers

A network processor for directing network communications, said network processor comprising:

• means for receiving a network communications frame;
• means for storing a dynamic classifier tree and a static classifier tree;
• and
• a frame classifier for processing said network communications frame according to rules contained within said static classifier tree and said dynamic classifier tree, wherein said dynamic classifier tree is searched for a dynamic tree leaf that matches a key constructed from information contained within said frame, and said static classifier tree is searched for a static tree leaf that matches said key when said dynamic tree leaf is not found, wherein said frame classifier includes means for setting an inhibit indication for preventing said frame classifier from causing performance of a duplicate action when performing an action specified by said dynamic tree leaf, and said frame classifier further includes means for skipping said duplicate action in conformity with said inhibit indication when said duplicate action is specified by said static tree leaf.

A network processing system, comprising:

• a switch for routing network traffic;
• at least one network processor coupled to said switch for processing frames entering and exiting said switch, wherein said network processor includes means for setting an inhibit indication for preventing said network processor from causing performance of a duplicate action when performing an action specified by said dynamic tree leaf, and said network processor further means for skipping said duplicate action in conformity with said inhibit indication when said duplicate action is specified by said static tree leaf;
• a memory coupled to said network processor for storing control information forming a dynamic classifier tree and a static classifier tree for controlling the processing of said frames, wherein said network processor searches said static classifier tree for a static tree leaf having a pattern matching a key extracted from a frame in response to said network processor determining that said dynamic classified tree does not contain a dynamic tree leaf having a pattern matching said key;
• and
• a general purpose processor for managing said control information, wherein said general purpose processor includes an interface for configuring said static classifier tree and said dynamic classifier tree.