Abstract: A data transfer controller allows data to be transferred from a network bus to a system bus in a host computer. The controller has a network bus interface for communicating with the network bus and a system bus interface for communicating with the system bus. The system bus interface has first and second buffers. A dual port memory is utilized and has one port operatively connected to one of the buffers in the system bus interface and to a microprocessor. The direct access channel is established and operatively connected to the other buffer of the system bus interface as well as coupled to the microprocessor and associated control logic. A switch under control of the control logic establishes connections between the second port of the dual port memory and either the direct access channel or the network bus interface.