An address-transparent device is disclosed that couples between two network interfaces in a semiconductor fab for communicating packets between a host coupled to a first network interface and a tool coupled to a second network interface. Alternatively, the addres transparent device couples between two networks in a semiconductor fab for communicating packets between a host on a first networ and a tool on a second network. In a first aspect of the invention, the address-transparent device routes packets between the first network and the second network that is independent of any protocol. In a second aspect of the invention, the address-transparent device intercepts packets for local use by a data consumer that resides within or outside of the address transparent device. In a third aspect of the invention, the address transparent device reroutes packet to another destination by changing the header of the received packet.
