Method and apparatus for networking data devices using an uplink module

A computer system comprising:

• a first local area network including a first repeater for coupling a first plurality of data devices, said first local area network further including a collision domain;
• a second local area network including a second repeater for coupling a second plurality of data devices, said second local are network further including a collision domain;
• a first inter-repeater link for coupling said first repeater with said second repeater;
• and
• said first repeater including an uplink module connected to said first inter-repeater link, said uplink module for managing communication of data messages transmitted across the collision boundaries of said collision domain of said first local area network and said collision domain of said second local area network.

A data communication system comprising:

• a first local area network including a first repeater for coupling a first plurality of data devices, said first local area network further including a collision domain;
• a second local area network including a second repeater for coupling a second plurality of data devices, said second local are network further including a collision domain;
• a first inter-repeater link for coupling said first repeater with said second repeater;
• and
• said first repeater including an uplink module connected to said first inter-repeater link, said uplink module for managing communication of data messages transmitted across the collision boundaries of said collision domain of said first local area network and said collision domain of said second local area network.