Exact match hash lookup databases in network switch devices

An apparatus associated with a network device for forwarding packets in a network, comprising:

• a packet processor implemented on one or more integrated circuits, the packet processor configured to i) couple to a plurality of ports of the network device, and ii) transfer packets received via at least some of the plurality of ports to one or more appropriate ports among the plurality of ports, the packet processor comprising:
• a hash value generator implemented on the one or more integrated circuits, the hash value generator configured to generate, based on a lookup key corresponding to a packet, a plurality of hash values, the plurality of hash values including at least a first hash value generated at least by applying a first hash function to the lookup key, a second hash value generated at least by applying a second hash function to the lookup key, and a third hash value generated at least by applying a third hash function to the lookup key, the third hash function being different from the first hash function and the second hash function, and
• a lookup unit implemented on the one or more integrated circuits, the lookup unit coupled to a memory, implemented on the one or more integrated circuits, the memory configured to store a lookup table and a forwarding table, wherein the lookup unit is configured to
• use the first hash value and the second hash value to select an entry, in the lookup table, that includes an offset for the lookup key, and
• use the third hash value and the offset for the lookup key to select a forwarding entry, in the forwarding table, corresponding to the lookup key;
• and
• wherein the packet processor further comprises a forwarding engine implemented on the one or more integrated circuits, the forwarding engine configured to forward the packet to one or more ports of the plurality of ports using the selected forwarding entry.