Abstract: A rearrangeable non-blocking three stage network and method for routing one or more requests between an input stage and an output stage, comprising between 3N and substantially the next largest integer of (41N-E.sub.N)/16 center stage interconnection units, where N is the greater of the inlet links to the input stage and outlet links from the output stage. Received requests are grouped by load size into a first group, a second group, and a third group with the second ground divided into a first half and a second half. The requests in the first group and first half of the second group are routed by a first set of center interconnection units, and the requests of the second half of the second group are routed by a second set of center interconnection units. The requests of the third group are routed through the first and second set of interconnection units so long as their load capacity is not exceeded, while any remaining small requests are routed through a third set of interconnection units.