Ethernet node having hub, switch and/or repeater characteristics

A method for forming a network is disclosed with the network including a plurality of communication devices, a wire network for allowing a plurality of communication transmissions between the communications devices, and at least one connectivity device connected to the wire network,. The method includes utilizing the connectivity device to bring segments of the wire network together such that the communication devices are interconnected, utilizing the connectivity device to provide communication transmissions to the communications devices with independent paths through the wire network such that communication collisions are reduced, utilizing the connectivity device to regenerate a communication signal such that the distance between the communications device is extended, and utilizing the connectivity device to route communication transmissions by the communications devices through the wire network.