Abstract: A network repeater having automatic speed switching capability. The repeater includes a first repeater logic for connecting devices operating at the first rate to a first backplane, a second repeater logic for connecting devices operating at the second rate to a second backplane, and a port switching fabric, coupled to the first and second repeater logic, for determining the transmission rate of a signal at a port and routing the signal to one of the repeater logic according to the transmission rate determination. The repeater includes a serial controller for accessing internal management counters, LEDs for providing status information about the repeater and a media access controller for controlling functions including the transmission loopback and reception of Ethernet frames.