Abstract: A universal local area network power line carrier repeater system and method provides: 1) LAN interfaces for converting high speed LAN data to high speed PLC data and high speed PLC data to high speed LAN data, 2) a high speed PLC data transceiver for exchanging PLC data with other repeaters, and 3) a repeater control system and method for arbitrating data communications on the power line medium among the plurality of repeaters seeking access to said medium.