Network filter

A network filter comprising:

• at least one processing unit;
• and
• a computer-readable media comprising computer executable instructions, which when executed by the at least one processing unit causes the network filter to:
• operate in a selection state during a selection phase and an operation state during an operation phase;
• transfer, during the selection phase, at least one enquiry data packet between a first network participant and at least one other network participant of a plurality of other network participants;
• permit receipt, during the selection phase, of at least one enquiry data packet response from the at least one other network participant;
• select, during the selection phase, from the plurality of network participants, a selected network participant so as to switch from the selection phase to the operation phase, wherein the selected network participant is the network participant from the plurality of the network participants that provides a first enquiry data packet response containing a specific protocol stage trigger packet, and wherein the specific protocol stage trigger packet enables the switching of the network filter from the selection state to the operation state;
• create, during the operation phase, a network data pathway between the first network participant and the selected network participant;
• prohibit, during the operation phase, further creation of a further network data pathway between the first network participant and any unselected network participant;
• and
• prohibit, during the operation phase, the first network participant from transferring over the network any further enquiry data packets to any unselected network participants.