A method for processing a packet that includes receiving the packet where the packet comprises a header, and traversing a flow table comprising a plurality of flow table entries (FTEs) for each FTE encountered during the traversal, obtaining a packet matching function associated with the FTE, applying the packet matching function associated with the FTE to the header to determine whether the packet matches the FTE, if the packet matches the FTE, send the packet to one selected from the group consisting of one of a plurality of receive rings (RRs) and a first sub-flow table, where the first sub-flow table is associated with the FTE, stopping the traversal of the flow table, and if the packet does not match the FTE continue the traversal of the flow table.