CAM-based label search engine for MPLS over ATM networks

This paper presents a label search engine, built upon multiple hierarchically configured CAM cores, for multiprotocol label switching over ATM networks. Novel cache-based sorting logic, following a linear search algorithm with exponential insertion, is incorporated into each CAM core to efficiently explore the temporal correlations among incoming labels as well as indirect data sorting, resulting in significant power saving and throughput increase. This search engine with 1024 data entries has been designed using a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology running at 200 MHz with total power consumption of less than 2 W.