Switch using a segmented ring

A network switch, said network switch comprising:

• at least one data port interface for receiving data;
• at least one link interface configured to transmit said data between said network switch and other network switches;
• and
• a data processor, connected to said at least one data port interface and said at least one link interface, said data processor including,
• a segmented ring configured to connect to a plurality of dedicated modules designed to process said data;
• a programmable ring dispatcher for dispatching a portion of said data along said segmented ring to at least one of said plurality of dedicated modules;
• and
• a command processor for processing commands received from said dedicated modules,
• wherein said programmable ring dispatcher determines a first dedicated module of said plurality of dedicated modules to receive said portion of said data and said first dedicated module determines a next destination for said portion of said data selected from said plurality of dedicated modules and said command processor, and
• wherein, any one of said plurality of dedicated modules, sends as request for an entire packet or other portions thereof, to any one of the plurality of dedicated modules if said portion of said data is not sufficient for processing the data packet.