Apparatus and method for sorted table binary search acceleration

A method for searching a table in a network switch includes the steps of dividing a primary lookup table into a first sub table and a second sub-table, searching the first sub-table with a first search engine, and simultaneously searching the second sub-table with a second search engine. A method for searching a primary address table within a network switch uses the steps of dividing the primary address table into a first and second address sub-tables, storing even numbered memory address locations from the primary address table within the first address sub-table in sorted order, and storing odd numbered memory address locations from the primary address table within the second address sub-table in sorted order. Thereafter the method includes the steps of searching the first address sub-table with a first search engine, and simultaneously searching the second address sub-table with a second search engine.