1. Apparatus for facilitating parsing of a network data packet comprising: a memory device for storing a plurality of database entries, at least a first comparator which is controlled, at least partially in response to data from one or more of said database entries, to perform a comparison on at least a portion of said data packet and to output a first comparison result, said first comparison result being used for forming at least a first part of a signature word at least partially identifying a format of said data packet.