Ipv4/ipv6 dual stack software/hardware apparatus and method for processing internet packet

PURPOSE: An internet packet processing device for both IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack software and hardware and a method thereof are provided to facilitate packet processing and have the extendability and flexibility of IPv6 protocol. CONSTITUTION: A packet processing device (100) comprises a hardware type packet processor (110), a software type packet processor (120), and a packet processing controller (130). The hardware type packet processor processes internet packets with a system logic circuit. The software type packet processor processes the internet packets according to the execution of a prepared program. The packet processing controller receives the internet packets for controlling the internet packet of a predetermined protocol to be processed at the hardware type packet processor and for controlling the internet packets of another predetermined protocol to be processed at the software type packet processor. [Reference numerals] (110) Hardware type packet processor; (120) Software type packet processor; (130) Packet processing controller