Network Device Memory Bank Segmentation for Packet Forwarding

The patent divides the single memory bank into multiple separate memory banks (e.g., first memory bank, second memory bank, third memory bank). Each memory bank stores copies of the same next-hop information for different packet flows. This segmentation allows simultaneous access to next-hop information for multiple flows without contention, as each flow can be directed to a different memory bank, thereby increasing packet forwarding throughput while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic organization.

The patent creates multiple copies of the same next-hop information and stores them in different memory banks. Instead of storing unique information in each bank, the system replicates the identical next-hop data across multiple banks. This copying approach allows any memory bank to service any packet flow's next-hop information request, eliminating access contention and reducing memory access time, while the total memory capacity increase is minimal since the data is replicated rather than diversified.

The patent pre-calculates and stores next-hop information in memory banks before packets arrive. The system performs the complex routing table lookup and next-hop determination in advance, storing the results in an optimized format in the memory banks. When packets arrive, the system only needs to retrieve the pre-computed next-hop information from the memory banks, which is a much faster operation. This preliminary action maintains forwarding accuracy by using the same routing logic while dramatically reducing processing time for each packet.