NETWORK EQUIPMENT FOR DATA COMMUNICATION

PURPOSE:To restart data communication in a short time and automatic restoration at fault occurrence by providing a communication control device detecting a fault of a LAN controller and an automatic switching device switching the LAN controller based on a fault signal and setting a logic communication path thereto so as to facilitate the change in the physical address on the LAN. CONSTITUTION:A computer 1 is provided with a communication control device 5 detecting a fault of LAN controllers 2a, 2b, and an automatic switching device 16 switching the LAN controllers 2a, 2b based on a fault signal and setting a logic communication path to the LAN controller 2a or 2b. Thus, the communication control device 5 detecting a fault in the LAN controller 2a or 2b causes a fault signal and in the standby state. The automatic switching device 16 receiving a fault signal connects the other LAN controller 2a or 2b to the computer 1. Moreover, the automatic switch device 16 sets a logic path to the LAN controller 2a or 2b and sends a changeover end signal to the communication control device 5 to restart the data communication.