Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)/field programmable gate array (FPGA) which is a component of a wireless LAN controller including a local processor and a memory enables the controller to interface with both PCMCIA.TM. and AT.TM. host computer systems. The ASIC/FPGA enables communication between a radio frequency communication module, a local processor, and the host computer. The ASIC/FPGA also includes a throttle feature that decreases the access of the host computer in comparison to access of the local processor in order to enable the local processor to rapidly generate an acknowledge signal as required by various RF LAN specifications. During operation of the controller, data to be transmitted by the host computer onto the network is written by the host to an SRAM via the ASIC/FPGA, and the host commands the local processor via the ASIC/FPGA to forward the transmitted data to the RF communication module.