Abstract: The disclosure provides improvements in effecting the routing function in a communication network operating under a distributed control protocol. Selected nodes (control nodes) have extended memory and computing capabilities and each maintains a topology data base, other nodes (ordinary nodes) have more limited memory and computing capabilities and maintain information respecting solely local topology. The method of the invention provides for maintaining the topology data bases in the control nodes current in the face of changes in the network, provides for the selection of a particular control node from which a particular ordinary node will obtain necessary routing information and establishes and maintains communication between the ordinary node and the selected control node. Control nodes identify adjacent control nodes, and upon determining changes in network status, such network status changes are communicated to the adjacent control nodes.