Markers-based space decomposition algorithm: a new algorithm for multi-fields packet classification

Packet classification is a central function in several network applications such as firewalls and QoS-enhanced routers. Several schemes were proposed for fast packet classification, but few ones support incremental updates. In this paper, we present a new multi-fields packet classification algorithm and show its advantages compared to previous proposed algorithms. We present performance measurements using a free benchmark developed at Washington University. We show how this algorithm performs improved search times without any limitation in terms of incremental updates.