Abstract: An expandable local area hub network is provided by the present invention. The network comprises a plurality of hubs coupled along a memory bus. The network further includes a segment switch coupling the plurality of hubs to a first segment arbiter and a second segment arbiter to associate the plurality of hubs with the first segment arbiter and the second segment arbiter to form separate and distinct system units. In use, the first segment arbiter grants a hub controlling access to a first segment memory bus for transmission of a packet on the first segment memory bus based upon an internal protocol and the second segment arbiter grants a hub controlling access to a second segment memory bus for transmission of a packet on the second segment memory bus based upon an internal protocol.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an extendible local area network includes a hub station including a memory and at least one hub station segment. The hub station segment is adapted to be coupled to at least N other hub station segments by a bi-directional control signal bus, N being a positive integer. The hub station segment includes at least two ports, each of the ports being adapted to receive electrical signal packet transmissions from a remote station. The memory and the hub station segment are mutually coupled by a signal bus.