Abstract: An interleaved multistage switching fabric includes Y multistage switching fabric panels, where Y is an integer greater than one. Each panel has primary inputs for receiving cells to be routed, local outputs for outputting routed cells, primary outputs for outputting non-routed cells, and reentry points for introducing non-routed cells into the panel. The switching fabric additionally includes at least one demultiplexer subsystem communicatively coupled to primary inputs of each panel, for interfacing the switching fabric with input lines. The switching fabric further includes at least one multiplexer subsystem communicatively coupled to local outputs of each panel, for interfacing the switching fabric with destination queues. The switching fabric additionally includes Y recirculation connections, where each recirculation connection communicatively couples primary outputs of one panel to reentry points of another panel.