US Patent 8942085 System and method for routing around failed links

A multi-stage network may include a first stage having a first plurality of switches, a second stage having a second plurality of switches, and a number of links between the first and second stages. A controller in communication with the first plurality of switches and the second plurality of switches may determine a priority path to be utilized by each switch in sending information and a fallback path. If the priority path includes a failed link, the controller implements in one or more of the switches the fallback path for sending the information. The fallback path may, for example, cause the information to be transmitted through a peer router.