1. A method of processing a protocol data unit in a communication network, comprising the device-implemented steps of: (a) optimizing a decision process by selectively examining only those significant bits of a protocol data unit received from the communication network which affect the decision process, these decision-significant bits comprising at least two non-contiguous bits of the protocol data unit; (b) validating the decision process by comparing a portion of the received protocol data unit with a predetermined tuple, the predetermined tuple consisting of known values for a specific portion of the protocol data unit including the at least two non-contiguous decision-significant bits; and (c) generating at least one associated directive for the protocol data unit based upon the validated decision process, the at least one associated directive specifying subsequent processing requirements of the protocol data unit.