Abstract: Recognizers are provided in respective self-routing modules in respective stages of a channel operating according to a multi-stage self-routing method. A recognizer sets a stage number to the switches in the self-routing module of the stage it belongs to by recognizing a stage number setting signal supplied from a self-routing module in the preceding stage. Updaters are provided in respective self-routing modules. An updater updates a stage number setting signal supplied from a self-routing module in the preceding stage and outputs it to a self-routing module in the succeeding stage. A stage number setter is provided in a virtual channel controller connected before a channel. It outputs predetermined stage number setting signals to a self-routing module in the first stage of a channel. Stage numbers specified by the stage number setting signals are autonomously set when the stage number setting signals sequentially pass through self-routing modules in respective stages.