Abstract

An apparatus for interfacing a plurality of nodes to a network includes a plurality of working ports coupled to the nodes, an attachment port coupled to the network, an address table for storing addresses associated with the working ports, an incoming packet controller, and an outgoing packet controller. The incoming packet controller receives an incoming information packet from the network via the attachment port, and determines whether a destination address contained in the incoming packet matches one of the addresses stored in the address table. If a destination address match is found, then it is concluded that the incoming packet is intended for one of the working ports. Consequently, the incoming packet is sent to the working ports. If no destination address match is found, the incoming packet controller prevents the packet from being sent to the working ports, thereby eliminating unnecessary signal traffic to the ports. Similarly, the outgoing packet controller receives an outgoing information packet from one of the working ports, and determines whether an outgoing address contained in the packet matches any of the addresses in the address table. If an outgoing address match is found, then it is known that the packet is intended for one of the working ports. As a result, the outgoing packet is not sent to the network but is instead repeated to the working ports. On the other hand, if an outgoing address is not found, then the outgoing packet is sent to the network via the attachment port. By sending only non-local packets onto the network, the apparatus of the present invention reduces network traffic, thereby increasing network efficiency.