Methods and systems for hybrid hardware- and software-base media access control (MAC) address learning

Methods and systems for hybrid layer 2 address learning are disclosed. In one method, a packet with a layer 2 source address is received. Next, it is determined whether to implement hardware-based learning or software-based learning based on a classification of the received packet. In response to determining that software-based learning is required, the source address and corresponding forwarding information in the packet are learned using software. In response to determining that hardware-based learning is required, the source address and corresponding forwarding information are learned using hardware.