Abstract: Control of communication by a plurality of devices, such as computer programs and terminals, via a computer is controlled by an arrangement referred to as a connector. The connector receives a request for communication defining the devices to the communication and, in response to the request, establishes a mapping table defining the source devices and destination devices to the connection. A source device stores data in connector memory and the connector reads the mapping table to determine the destination devices for the stored data. The connector then creates a linked list coupling structure between the stored data and the determined destination devices. The destination devices issue read commands to which the connector responds by reading the stored data in accordance with the coupling structure and providing that data to the requesting device.

Abstract: A multi-stage packet switching network comprising a plurality of packet switch nodes for communicating broadcast and non-broadcast packets each comprising stage identification information and sets of routing information. Each node responsive to receipt of one of the packets for decoding the stage identification information to determine if the packet is a broadcast or a non-broadcast packet. If a broadcast packet has been received, the switch node transmits this packet to the next sequential stage on all output links interconnecting the switch node to the next sequential stage. If the packet is of the non-broadcast type, the switch node decodes the stage identification field to determine which of the sets of the routing information is to be used for routing the non-broadcast packet to the next sequential stage. Before routing the non-broadcast packet to the next sequential stage, the switch node increments the stage identification field.