Systems and methods for implementing FlexRay communications between FlexRay nodes using Ethernet are provided. An Ethernet switch includes ports, each of which receives an Ethernet data packet (EDP) from a respective FlexRay node. Each EDP includes a FlexRay message, which includes at least one of a data frame and a frame identification (ID). A first EDP is received at a first port no later than a second EDP is received at a second port. The Ethernet switch also includes a controller module that determines whether the second EDP has higher priority than the first EDP based on the frame IDs associated with the first and second EDPs. The controller module is configured to route the second EDP to a second destination no later than routing the first EDP to a first destination and meet FlexRay transmission cycle times when it has been determined that the second EDP has higher priority.