Editing Network processor (section)

==Generic functions==
In the generic role as a packet processor, a number of optimised features or functions are typically present in a network processor, which include:

* Pattern matching – the ability to find specific patterns of bits or bytes within packets in a packet stream.
* Key lookup – the ability to quickly undertake a database lookup using a key (typically an address in a packet) to find a result, typically [[routing]] information.
* Computation
* Data bitfield manipulation – the ability to change certain data fields contained in the packet as it is being processed.
* [[Queue (data structure)|Queue]] management – as packets are received, processed and scheduled to be sent onwards, they are stored in queues.
* Control processing – the micro operations of processing a packet are controlled at a macro level which involves communication and orchestration with other nodes in a system.
* Quick allocation and re-circulation of packet buffers.