METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEARCHING IP ADDRESS

PURPOSE: An apparatus for searching IP address and a method thereof for reducing the number of memory access are provided to reduce memory demand and efficiently search the IP address. CONSTITUTION: If an access level corresponding to the access length is the final level, a return value output unit(160) outputs the updated BMP(Best Matching Prefix) to the return value. If the access level is not the final level, an access level control unit(170) decides one level based on the order of the level and the return value of hashing table search units. The access level control unit outputs the control signal directing the access length to a bit extractor.