Abstract: A computer network method and apparatus. The present invention comprises a computer network having one or more hubs, each hub comprising one or more connection means for connection of computing devices to the network. Each connection means comprising a first interface means for coupling with a computing device, a second interface means for coupling with the network and a protocol processing means. The protocol processing means receives message packets and, depending on the message type, processing the message as either a network control message or a data transfer message. The present invention provides for "flow through" of data in the case of data transfer messages. The present invention further provides for calculation of checksum bytes as a data packet is received by the protocol processing means.