An inbound data message is received. An address resolution table is searched for the address of the source of the data message at a time when the address resolution table is not being searched to support transmission of an outbound data message. If a search in connection with an outbound data message is occurring when the inbound data message is received, the source address for the inbound data message is stored in a FIFO memory. The storage of the source address for the inbound message may be inhibited if the source address is already stored in the FIFO memory. The same search engine may be used in connection with searches for both outbound and inbound data messages.