Abstract: For facilitating data communication between entities in a local area network (storage files, programs, devices, human operators, etc.), a method is disclosed for addressing such communications to logical names adopted for the entities; rather than to discrete physical locations in the network. The subject method allows for extension of name-directed communications across bridges (between separate communication media or between discrete frequency channels on one medium). Extensions of such communications across bridges are conditioned on the handling of respective communications within the channel or medium leading to respective bridges. If a named entity is reachable within a channel or medium leading to a bridge, the communication will be acknowledged by the processing facility at the node serving that entity, and the communication will not be extended.