FIELD: telecommunications. SUBSTANCE: data packets are routed through sequence of nodes to destination node. Node in which data packet leaves this sequence is terminal node. Each packet contains route selection code. Node which receives data packet checks route selection code in order to test possibility to use said node as terminal node for this packet by means of table look-up using said route selection code as index for route selection table. Said table identifies channel which is used for route selection for said packet which runs from given node to adjacent node. Said packet is also checked for compatibility between packet type and selected channel. If such incompatibility is detected, alternative channel is selected. If node decides that it serves as terminal node for packet, it assesses channel identifier in order to check whether it serves party to which said packet is directed. EFFECT: distributed decision making between nodes, decreased delay in delivery of messages between inputs and outputs of network. 16 cl, 10 dwg
