A data switch for a packet data switch includes switching nodes connected to each other in an interconnecting matrix, providing a multiplicity of data paths between an incoming data or telecom port and an outgoing data or telecom port of the data switch. The interconnecting switching nodes can achieve high capacity data switching by providing a partial switching solution at each node, distributing the switching load. A switching protocol for interconnecting switching nodes allows data packets to be selectively passed from any incoming port on an interconnecting switch node to any interconnecting switching node or outgoing port connected to it. In at least one example, the switching protocol has mechanisms in it to provide for the duplicating of the contents of the data packet and pass them to multiple interconnecting switching nodes or outgoing ports.