Hash range lookup command

A method comprising:

• (a) receiving a packet flow;
• (b) generating a flow key value from header information associated with the packet flow;
• (c) generating a hash command that includes hash command parameters that indicate a number of selectable number of hash buckets to be searched and a base address;
• (d) transmitting the hash command to a lookup engine;
• (e) receiving a pull id from the lookup engine;
• (f) transmitting a hashed index value and the flow key value to the lookup engine, wherein the hashed index value and the base address are used to generate a hash value;
• (g) receiving either an address of a match or a result value from the lookup engine;
• and
• (h) routing the packet flow based on either the address of the match or the result value.

An apparatus comprising:

• a lookup engine that performs a hash table lookup operation in response to a hash lookup command;
• means for generating hash values (addresses) used to access a selectable number of buckets in a hash table that includes a plurality of buckets, wherein each hash bucket comprises a plurality of hash entry fields, wherein the means for generating hash values comprises using a base address and a hashed index value to generate the hash value, and wherein the base address is communicated as part of the hash lookup command;
• and
• means for matching entries in the hash entry fields of the selectable number of hash buckets to a flow key value, wherein when a match is determined at a selected entry field one of an address of the selected entry field or a result associated with the selected entry field is returned.