FPGA-based string matching

String matching has become essential for modern computers. It is used in many applications ranging from data mining to network security. A problem is that current general purpose computers are no longer fast enough to deal with the ever increasing amounts of data that are passed through them due to the massive increases in network traffic and data storage capacities offered. This paper aims to demonstrate the significant performance gains that can be achieved by employing string matching algorithms directly in hardware using an FPGA, as opposed to the traditional software-only solution. A possible future FPGA-based string matching board that could be installed in current computers is discussed.