Abstract: A network includes a plurality of sequentially connected computers. Data packets generated by the computers are merged into a stream of data packets on a delivery channel. The stream of data packets are then broadcast to all of the computers in the network on a separate broadcast channel.

Abstract: Data packets from a remote computer are merged together with data packets from a local computer to form a combined stream of data packets. A network interface card connects a computer with a network including a plurality of computers. A remote input of the network interface card receives remote data generated by another computer in the network. A local input of the network interface card receives local data generated by the local computer for delivery to another computer in the network. Local data is stored in a local storage device when remote data is being retransmitted to the network by a processor. When the processor has finished retransmitting the remote data to the network, the processor then transmits the stored local data to the network. Remote data is stored in a remote storage device when local data is being transmitted to the network by the processor. When the processor has finished transmitting the local data to the network, the processor then retransmits the stored remote data to the network.