A network-on-chip system, method, and computer program product are provided for transmitting messages utilizing a centralized on-chip shared memory switch. In operation, a message is sent from one of a plurality of agents connected on a messaging network. The message is received at a central shared memory switch, the central shared memory switch being in communication with each of the plurality of agents. Further, the message is transmitted from the central shared memory switch to a destination agent, the destination agent being one of the plurality of agents.