System and method for filtering a data packet using a combined filter are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes receiving a data packet and N filters. The method includes receiving a data packet and N (wherein N is an integer and N>1) filters, each filter comprising a bit mask and corresponding bit values. The method further includes, for each of the N filters, identifying a key element from a portion of the filter corresponding to a combined filter, the key element being a segment of the filter portion having the. richest bit pattern. The method further includes generating the combined filter by combining the key element of the N filters. The method further includes filtering the data packet with the combined filter to determine whether there is a match between the data packet and each key element.