CACHE SYSTEM FOR NETWORK AND MULTI-TASKING APPLICATIONS

Cache apparatus, including first and second cache memories, coupled to receive and hold context information from an external memory with respect to tasks, each task activated by one or more activating events, so that the context information is available for access by a processor in performing the tasks. The cache apparatus further includes a mapper, which is coupled to receive a classification of the tasks as fast and slow tasks. The mapper is adapted, upon receipt of one of the activating events for one of the fast tasks to be performed by the processor, to cause the context information with respect thereto to be received in the first cache memory, and upon receipt of one of the activating events for one of the slow tasks to be performed by the processor, to cause the context information with respect thereto to be received in the second cache memory.