A method for managing a ternary content addressable memory (CAM) comprises the steps of: dividing the ternary CAM into parts corresponding to a number of sequence IDs determined by a packet classification rule set by a system manager; storing a packet having a priority set according to the packet classification rule in an entry storage area of the sequence IDs according to the priority; and, when an entry storage area allocated to a sequence ID where a new entry is intended to be added is completely occupied, extending the corresponding sequence ID and adding thereto the new entry, thereby controlling the ternary CAM.