A stackable data cell switch architecture includes a plurality of switch modules (32) coupled in series and forming a bidirectional data transmission loop (34, 36). Each switch module includes a data cell switch such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch, a first transceiver coupled to the data cell switch for receiving data cells from and transmitting data cells to an adjacent switch module in a first transmission direction, and a second transceiver coupled to the data cell switch for receiving data cells from and transmitting data cells to an adjacent switch module in a second transmission direction.
