Apparatus of IP packet classification based on tuple space search , and method thereof

PURPOSE: A device for classifying IP packets based on tuple space retrieval and a classifying method therefor are provided to previously analyze identical values of next compared bits, and to increase a prefix 2 bits by 2 bits without increasing the prefix 1 bit by 1 bit, thereby reducing time for retrieving classified packets. CONSTITUTION: A physical interface(101) performs a physical link interface and an MAC function. A packet receiver(102) receives IP packets, and analyzes/verifies layer 2 header, IP version, TTL, and IP header checksum information. A received packet storage(103) stores the IP packets. A packet classification controller(104) performs a hash retrieval function, and analyzes retrieved results. A packet classification rule table storage(105) stores a 2-dimensional hash table. A switch interface(106) attaches a routing tag, and disassembles into fixed segments to output the segments. A packet reassembler(107) reassembles the segments into one packet. A transmission packet storage(108) stores the reassembled packet. A traffic manager(109) performs a scheduling function and a shaping function.