The first switch-fabric plane 704 contains a three-stage switch fabric, similar to the three-stage switch fabric 200 described above with respect to FIG. 2. Specifically, the first switch-fabric plane 704 includes switch modules 713 of a second stage of the switch fabric 700, switch modules 714 of a third stage of the switch fabric 700, and switch modules 715 of a fourth stage of the switch fabric 700. Said another way, switch modules 713, switch modules 714 and switch modules 715 collectively define a portion of a five-stage switch fabric that is located on the first switch-fabric plane 704. Switch modules 712 of a first stage and switch modules 716 of a fifth stage of the switch fabric 700 are not included on the first switch-fabric plane 704. Switch modules 712, switch modules 713, switch modules 714, switch modules 715 and switch module 716 collectively define the five-stage switch fabric 700.