Backplane architecture for stackable ethernet repeater

A backplane architecture for a logical stackable Ethernet repeater for an Ethernet network, comprising:

• a plurality of stackable repeater modules, each one of said stackable repeater modules being connectable via bus-type signal lines to another one of said stackable repeater modules, said bus-type signal lines including signal lines for transmitting and receiving selected signals and an activity signal line, each one of said stackable repeater modules including a plurality of ports for connection to stations;
• wherein each one of said stackable repeater modules is coupled to said signal lines via wired-OR connections using a first logic type;
• and
• wherein each one of said stackable repeater modules is wired-OR connected using a second logic type to said activity signal line, said second logic type being different from said first logic type, and said activity signal line having at least three logic states to indicate collisions within said Ethernet network.