Repeater interface controller with multiple port node interfaces

A repeater interface controller receives a data packet at one of a plurality of port nodes from an associated segment of a local area network. At least one port node is configurable as either an attachment unit interface or a twisted pair interface. The port nodes determine a priority port node, of more than one port node receives a data packet at substantially the same time, and transmit the data packet from the priority port node to a central node. The central node receives the data packet from the priority node, repeats the data packet, and transmits the repeated data packet to the non-priority port nodes. Each non-priority port node receives the repeated data packet and transmits the repeated data onto its associated segment.