Performance prediction method for IP lookup algorithms

Many address lookup methods for use on IP routers to improve their packet-forwarding capability have been proposed. However, their performance prediction ability is poor because actual traffic characteristics are not considered in their evaluation processes. The actual traffic must be considered in order to predict router performance more accurately, especially for layer 3 and 4 address lookups, whose performances are more affected by the flow characteristics. We describe a method for predicting IP lookup algorithm performance that is based on statistical analysis of the Internet traffic. We present an example of its application to an existing IP lookup algorithm and show, based on simulation results, that our method can provide accurate performance prediction for IP lookup algorithms.