A cluster router architecture and methods for performing distributed routing are presented. The cluster router architecture includes off-the shelf Personal Computer (PC) hardware-based router cluster nodes interconnected in an intra-connection network in multiple dimensions. Each PC-based router cluster node is provided with the same routing functionality and a router-cluster-node-centric configuration enabling each router cluster node to provide routing responses for packets pending processing. Packet processing is divided into entry packet processing and routing response processing; special processing; and exit processing. Exit packet processing is performed by router cluster nodes transmitting packets into communication networks in which the cluster router participates. Packet processing is interrupted on determining that special processing is required in respect of a packet, and the packet is handed over to a corresponding special purpose router cluster node.