Repeater interface controller with a shared data bus

Abstract

A repeater interface controller receives a data packet at one of a plurality of port nodes from an associated segment of a local area network. The plurality of port nodes determine a priority port node when more than one port node receives a data packet at substantially the same time. The priority port node transmits the data packet from the priority port node to a central node. The central node receives the data packet from the priority node, repeats the data packet, and transmits the repeated data packet to the non-priority port nodes. Each non-priority port node receives the repeated data packet and transmits the repeated data onto its associated segment. Management and status information is transferred between the port nodes and an external processor and an external display by an internal bus and an external bus. A bus arbiter alternately provides a bus controller and the external controller control of both the internal and external buses to transfer the data. The bus controller controls both the internal and external buses when management and status data is transferred from the port nodes to the external display and the external controller controls both buses when management and status information is transferred between the external controller and the port nodes.