Abstract: A data pathchecking system for resolving data transfer errors in a plane of directly connected switching elements, the system checking the plane of directly connected switching elements by designating one switching element with an associated control element as a master and other switching elements and associated control elements as slaves. The master switch element instructs other switch elements discretely to check their respective switching element for data transfer errors and checks its own switching element for data transfer errors. Furthermore, the master switch is arranged to validate connections between switching elements.