A system and method for processing packets of information includes an ingress module. The ingress module receives a plurality of packets of information from a first network. The ingress module determines the type of each of the plurality of packets. A route server module is coupled to the ingress module. The route server module sends a distributed processing request to the ingress module. The ingress module receives the distributed processing request and, responsively, performs a first set of processing operations on selected ones of the plurality of packets. The selected ones of the plurality of packets are of a first type. The ingress module forwards others of the plurality of packets of information to the route server module. Each of the others of the plurality of packets are of a type distinct from the first type. The route server module receives the others of the plurality of packets of information and performs a second set of processing operations on the others of the plurality of packets of information.