match between network planes and their attributes.

$-$

where packet forwarding occurs.

$-$

Lookup function Hardware based.

$-$

Operates locally $($within the router$).$

$-$

Queuing$/$buffering likely is needed.

$-$

Input and output ports function in this plane.

$-$

where routing algorithms are executed.

$-$

Computes Forwarding tables for routers.

$-$

Typically operate in longer time scale.

$-$

Requires global view of the network.

$-$

The routing processor of a router operates within this plane