Abstract: A distributed processing telex switch having different levels of processor control to handle the calls between terminations connected to the exchange is disclosed. A common control processor occupies the highest level of processor control and function as the system-wide manager. Next below common control is a plurality of master control processors which function to switch the command data between common control and the lower levels of processor control, and to handle the conversation data generated by each of the terminations connected to the exchange. Each master control processor controls a predetermined number of termination from among all of the terminations connected to the exchange. Connected to each master control processor is a plurality of group control processors which control the flow of data to and from a second predetermined number of terminations from among the terminations controlled by each master control processor.