a network or interconnect structure utilizes a data flow technique that is based on timing and positioning of messages communicating through the interconnect structure . switching control is distributed throughout multiple nodes in the structure so that a supervisory controller providing a global control function and complex logic structures are avoided . the interconnect structure operates as a “ deflection ” or “ hot potato ” system in which processing and storage overhead at each node is minimized . elimination of a global controller and buffering at the nodes greatly reduces the amount of control and logic structures in the interconnect structure , simplifying overall control components and network interconnect components and improving speed performance of message communication .