Abstract: A marching algorithm for the selection of middle stage switch elements in a network uses an arbitrary but settled sequence in which middle stage switch elements are sampled. The sequence is applied in the forward direction to find an appropriate middle stage switch element during connection and in a reverse direction during disconnection to find an appropriate middle stage switch element for rearrangement. All of the input switch elements use the same marching sequence. The marching algorithm is applicable to both single rate and multi-rate connections. In the case of multi-rate connections, multiple rearrangements may occur at disconnect to match the capacity of the terminated connection.