Abstract: A memory node for use within a data storage system having a plurality of interconnected memory nodes is provided. The memory node comprises three data input interfaces, three data output interfaces, a memory module for storing data, and a controller coupled to the three data output interfaces, the three data input interfaces, and the memory module. The controller is configured to receive data via one of the three input interfaces, the data having a predetermined destination, read a first portion of the data to determine if the memory node is the predetermined destination, store a second portion of the data on the memory module, if the memory node is the predetermined destination, and transmit the received data via at least one of the three data output interfaces, if the memory node is not the predetermined destination.