A method of directly transferring data across a CompactPCI.TM. backplane
(170) via a fully meshed orthogonal network (370). The CompactPCI
backplane (170) incorporates a different type connector at its P4
location, in conjunction with a standard family of IEC 61074 connectors at
its P1, P2, P3, and P5 locations, to provide high speed data transfer with
additional shielding and noise control.