Aspects of the disclosure provide a CAM module that can be used independent of a defective entry line. The CAM module can include at least a CAM array having at least X CAM entry lines, and an additional CAM entry line. Each CAM entry line may include a selection line for enabling the CAM entry line for writing and/or reading and an entry output for indicating matching to a search key. Further, the CAM module can include a decoder unit that can decode an address to enable one out of X word-lines, and an encoder unit that can encode X matching outputs to a matching address according to a predetermined priority sequence. Additionally, the CAM module can include a switching unit coupling the CAM array with the decoder unit and the encoder unit. The switching unit can select X CAM entry lines from the X+1 CAM entry lines based on a defective status of the CAM array; correspond the X word-lines of the decoder unit to the selection lines of the selected X CAM entry lines; and correspond the entry outputs of the selected X CAM entry lines to the X matching outputs of the encoder unit.