The invention provides a communication device for a Local Area Network (LAN) which can be switched to operate in at least two modes of operation. In the preferred embodiment the device can be switched to operate either as a repeater (12) or as a bridge (14). Switching between the modes of operation is done based on the volume of data traffic on the LAN to provide, when possible, the more or most efficient data communication. Typically, when traffic on the LAN is light the device operates as a repeater and when traffic is heavy the device operates as a bridge.
