1. A system for processing packet information comprising: an array of processing elements having; at least one first stage processing element; and at least one second stage processing element; and a first stage memory unit that is searched in response to search information from the first stage processing element; wherein the first and second stage processing elements are configured to allow the second stage processing element to perform search-independent processing related to a packet in parallel with a search of the first stage memory unit, where the search is related to the same packet; wherein the second stage processing element is further configured to perform search-dependent processing using a result of the search of the first stage memory unit and a result from the search-independent processing to produce a search key; further including a second stage memory unit that is associated with the second stage processing element, wherein the search key is used to search the second stage memory unit; and further including at least one third stage processing element, wherein the second and third stage processing elements are configured to allow the third stage processing element to perform search-independent processing related to the packet in parallel with the search of the second stage memory unit.