1. A method for implementing predefined actions based upon packet classification and table lookup results in a communications network processor comprising the steps of: defining a plurality of sets of rules, each said rule having a set of masked compares for comparing results of hits and misses of table lookups; each said masked compare having an associated field for selecting an action; said action defining a set of commands; each said command defining a processing operation; receiving a packet header and identifying one said rule set based upon the packet classification result; identifying one said rule of said identified rule set having a match of said masked compares; and selecting said action of said identified one said rule.