1. A method of adding neural network functionality to an array of four or more interconnected nodes of a packet data network where each node of the array is capable of communicating with at least two other nodes, and where a node corresponds to one or more neurons of the neural network, comprising: receiving a path request packet at a first node of the array from a node in communication with the first node, where the request packet is used in the path building process; using a portion of the path request packet to access a time delay value, where the time delay value serves as a weight function for the neural network and is used in the path selection process; initiating a packet waiting time delay based on the retrieved value; and transmitting at least a portion of the request packet to at least a second node to expose a possible path for use by the corresponding neural network, after the packet waiting time has expired.