A server is provided having a port for receiving a data request that
includes an identifier (e.g., an HTTP request that includes a URL).
Recognition logic is provided to extract the identifier, using delimiters
present in the data request. Padding logic fixes the length of the
identifier at a predetermined length (e.g., by adding zeros to the end of
the identifier), thereby creating a fixed-length identifier. Hashing
logic is provided to perform a hashing function on the fixed-length
identifier, thereby creating a hashed identifier. A CAM array provides an
index value in response to the hashed identifier if the hashed identifier
matches a hashed identifier value stored in the CAM array. A cache memory
stores information associated with the identifier (e.g., web page data),
at a location associated with the index value. The cache memory provides
this information to a requesting party in response to the index value.