Abstract: A generic network device includes a serial line switching apparatus for performing either parallel or serial communications amongst multiple nodes over switching networks. An aspect includes is the adaptation of standard and proprietary serial interfaces using either optical or electrical transmission media to interface to the parallel switch. The converted serial data is routed to the selected destination through the parallel switch network, where it is received and converted back into a serial optical or electrical interface/protocol. Thus, the combination of the switching adapter and an ALLNODE parallel switching network make it feasible for serial message data to be switched and routed to various destinations.