In this paper, we study routing problems in a general class of asymmet
rical three-stage Clos networks. This class covers many asymmetrical t
hree-stage networks considered by earlier researchers. We derive neces
sary and sufficient conditions under which this class of networks is r
earrangeable with respect to a set of multiconnections, i.e., connecti
ons between subsets of input and output terminals. We first model the
routing problem in these networks as a network-flow problem. If the nu
mber of switching elements in the first and last stages of the network
is 0(f) and the number of switching elements in the middle stage is m
, then the network-flow model yields a routing algorithm with running
time O(mf3). We then show that the problem of routing a set of multico
nnections in an asymmetrical Clos network can be transformed into the
well-studied problem of routing a set of pairwise connections in a mor
e symmetric form of the network. This approach results in a routing al
gorithm with complexity O(mK2), where K is the aggregate capacity of t
he interstage links in the network.