Typically, a network board consists of a network processor, associated memories and CAM’s (multiple cams used in cascade configuration when the table density is more) and the physical interface.

As shown below, the network processor has multiple interfaces:
1. Ingress/egress ports. Ports through which data exchange happens.

2. Host interfaces. This interface is used to access the network processor for configuration setting and the other updates to be carried out.

3. Associated SRAM interfaces. The associated SRAM holds the packet forwarding information such as the port numbers and QoS which is accessed by the network processor to process the packet received. The index or address for accessing the associated SRAM is typically driven by the search result received from the CAM.

4. CAM interface. This is used to access the cam, update the database, perform searches and access the results. The result of the searches performed is typically used by the network processor to link it to the associated SRAM address in order to access the forwarding related information.