ETHERNET REPEATER

An adaptation circuit for operation in conjunction with a repeater element for a data network is disclosed. The repeater element is of a type capable of communicating with one or more other repeater elements via an 'inter-repeater bus' such that they together operate as a single logical repeater. The adaptation circuit is arranged to receive a plurality of two-level signals from said repeater element, to provide electrical connection to the inter-repeater bus, and to convert said two-level signals into a number, smaller than said plurality, of multi-level signals. This results in the electrical bus between the elements, which is also a feature of the invention, requiring a reduced number of conductors. The adaptation circuits may be connected with repeater elements to form a logical repeater, which preferably operates as an ethernet repeater.