Filtering of network addresses in real time by sequential decoding

The Fano algorithm for sequential decoding permits the simultaneous comparison of a serial bit pattern, with a large number of reference patterns and is applicable to the identification of addresses in local area networks. Such a requirement arises frequently in the design of bridges (filtered, buffered, repeaters) between networks, operating at the data link layer so as to be transparent to various higher-level protocols. The paper explains how the algorithm functions and how it can be implemented in hardware, operating in real time as the address bits arrive. Several specific applications are discussed.