Abstract: A space qualified local area network includes a plurality of stations, a switch in communication with the plurality of stations, and a network interface controller associated with each station. The network interface controller includes a media access controller having a medium-independent interface and a physical layer. The physical layer includes a data-strobe encoder for combining a first data signal and a strobe signal to produce an output signal, a low voltage differential signaling driver for transmitting the output signal, a low voltage differential signaling receiver for receiving an input signal, and a clock recovery decoder for extracting a second data signal and a clock signal from the input signal.