In-line packet processing

A device for processing a packet, comprising:

• a packet memory for storing portions of the data packet;
• and
• an output formatter to, concurrently with the data packet being retrieved from the packet memory:
• receive a next hop index describing a next connection in a network, where the next hop index is associated with the data packet,
• determine a route through the network based on the next hop index,
• execute a sequence stored in a memory device, where the sequence is identified by the next hop index and includes constructing a layer header for the data packet, and
• add the layer header to the data packet.

A method, comprising:

• receiving packet data at an input port associated with a routing device;
• storing the packet data in a packet memory associated with the routing device;
• determining, by the routing device, a route through a network for the packet data;
• generating, by the routing device, an output notification based on the determined route, where the output notification includes a next hop index describing a next connection in the network;
• receiving the output notification at an output port associated with the routing device;
• transferring, by the routing device, the packet data to the output port;
• constructing, by the routing device, a layer header for the packet data by executing a sequence stored in a memory device, where the sequence is identified by the next hop index;
• inserting, by the routing device, the layer header into the packet data;
• outputting, by the routing device, the layer header and packet data at the output port to the next connection in the network;
• retrieving, upon executing the sequence, a common template for constructing a common portion of the layer header, where the common portion of the layer header is shared by the data packet and another data packet;
• retrieving, upon executing the sequence, a custom template for constructing a unique portion of the layer header associated with the next hop index, where the unique portion of the layer header is not shared by the data packet and the other data packet;
• and
• constructing the layer header for the packet data based on the common template and the custom template.