A method for searching entries in a ternary content addressable memory ("TCAM") device for one or more matches to an input, comprising: (a) providing a first portion of the input to the TCAM and receiving a first indication from the TCAM as to whether the first portion matches one or more of the entries in the TCAM; and, (b) if the first indication is negative, providing a second portion of the input combined with a hashed version of the first portion to the TCAM and receiving a second indication from the TCAM as to whether the second portion combined with the hashed version of the first portion matches one or more of the entries in the TCAM.