AbstractSpace‐division electronic switching systems require the use of a swtiching network with the fewest possible crosspoints, since switching elements are expensive. Therefore, the switching capacity must be limited to the extent that a switching network should be structured in a multistaged manner if the switching network itself must be large. However, switching networks with multistaged provisions generally need complex control. Accordingly, complex studies must be devoted to the amount of control, as well as to the switching efficiency, of networks in designing multistaged switching networks. These considerations herein lead to an evaluation study on the amount of control for path hunting and clarification of the relationship between switching network types and the amount of control for path hunting. Initially, the space‐division multistage switching network is described and then path hunting methods which are used for evaluation are examined. The results of evaluating the amount of control for path hunting are described and consideration is given to switching networks which are most favorable with respect to the amount of control for path hunting.