Pipeline forwarding (PF) ."applies to packet forwarding in computer networks the basic concept of pipelining, which has been widely and successfully used in computing — specifically, in the architecture of all major central processing units (CPUs) — and manufacturing — specifically in assembly lines of various industries starting from automotive to many others. Pipelining is known to be optimal independent of the specific instantiation. In particular, PF is optimal from various points of view:
Various aspects of the technology are covered by several patents issued by both the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office.