Ultra low latency multi-protocol network device

An apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of ports configured to receive packets from a network and to output packets to the network;
• a first processing decision path configured to determine a processing decision for a received packet based on content of the packet and one or more network policies;
• a second processing decision path in parallel with the first processing decision path, the second processing decision path comprising a table storing processing decisions and capable of outputting a processing decision faster than the first processing decision path for packets that match one or more particular packet flow parameters contained in the table;
• and
• a decision resolution logic unit configured to use a processing decision determined by the second processing decision path, if one can be made, and otherwise use a processing decision determined by the first processing decision path,
• wherein the processing decision in the first processing decision path and the processing decision in the second processing decision path each represents a selection from a set of possible decisions, the set of decisions comprising forwarding the packet, switching the packet, allowing the packet to bypass, and dropping the packet.

A computer readable non-transitory storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

• for a packet received at a port of a network device, determine a processing decision in a first processing decision path based on content of the packet and one or more network policies;
• in parallel with the first processing decision path, determine a processing decision in a second processing decision path by accessing a table storing processing decisions, and which second processing decision path can output a processing decision faster than the first processing decision path for packets that match one or more particular packet flow parameters contained in the table;
• use the processing decision determined by the second processing decision path, if one can be made, and otherwise use the processing decision determined by the first processing decision path,
• wherein the processing decision in the first processing decision path and the processing decision in the second processing decision path each represents a selection from a set of possible decisions, the set of decisions comprising forwarding the packet, switching the packet, allowing the packet to bypass, and dropping the packet.