A method and apparatus to perform pattern matching is provided. The apparatus includes a first storage to store data representing a first set of pattern components, and a second storage to store data representing a second set of pattern components each corresponding to one or more components of the first set of pattern components. A first pattern matcher is configured to detect in an input stream a first component of one or more patterns and to generate a signal indicative of the detection of the first component. A second pattern matcher is configured to receive the signal from the first pattern matcher and to detect if a second component of the one or more patterns of the set of patterns immediately follows the first component in the input stream.