A network switch apparatus (10), components for such an apparatus, and methods of operating such an apparatus in which data flow handling and flexibility is enhanced by the cooperation of a plurality of memory elements and a plurality of interface processors formed on a semiconductor substrate (10). The memory elements and interface processors together form a network processor (10) capable of cooperating with other elements in executing instructions directing the flow of data in a network. Access to the memory elements is controlled in a particular manner and under operative rules which provide controlled multiple accesses of the plurality of memory elements by a plurality of processors.