Abstract: A network device (ND) includes a first interface controller operable to transfer data between the ND and a host processing unit (host), a second interface controller operable to transfer data between the ND and the host, a network interface configured to interface the ND with a network, and a control unit operable to: receive incoming data from the network, process the incoming data, and transmit the processed incoming data to the host through the second interface controller; or, receive outgoing data from the host through the second interface controller, process the received outgoing data, and transmit the processed outgoing data to the network. The first interface controller, the control unit, and the network interface are together operable to enable the host to transmit and/or receive other data to and/or from the network and the first interface controller. The host and the control unit share a same network address.