Load-balancing in Clos-like packet switches with distributed cross-point queues

Packet switches may be scaled by spreading the traffic across packet switch elements that effectively operate in parallel. This can introduce mis-sequencing of packets within a flow, which is undesirable and degrades network performance. Most solutions require impractical complex central schedulers. We have conceived an architecture and method for load-balancing without mis-sequencing that builds on earlier research of Clos-like packet switches that are suitable for implementation in hybrid electronic/photonic technology. The architecture involves no central schedulers and is implemented by distributing cross-point queues over all elements of the switch and deploying pollers to select the queues to be served.