Data Storage And Manipulation

A data storage device comprises: a data member comprising means for storing data on a surface thereof; and a data retrieval member. The data retrieval member comprises: a plurality of heads for reading data from the data member; and a plurality of storage buffers each arranged to store data read from one of more of said heads. The retrieval member is arranged so as to output the contents of a plurality of said storage buffers sequentially. This allows fast and efficient reading of the data stored. Also disclosed is a telecommunications switch which may employ such a storage device. The switch dynamically assigns data packets to nodes as an output path becomes available to minimise queuing delays.