Inexpensive two-way communications switch

Claim 1

A two-way communications switch comprising: a first state machine connected to a first communications ring, said first state machine being capable of transmitting data to said first communications ring and of receiving data from said first communications ring; a second state machine connected to a second communications ring, said second state machine being capable of transmitting said data to said second communications ring and of receiving data from said first communications ring; each of said first state machine and said second state machine including means for generating a control signal; and including means for monitoring predetermined commands sent by a first port to open communications with a selected second port; logic means responsive to said control signal for selectively connecting said first state machine and said second state machine for receiving data from said second communications ring and transmitting data to said first communications ring and for receiving data from said first communications ring and transmitting data to said second communications ring; address means for storing addresses of ports not on said first communications ring and address means for storing addresses of ports not on said second communications ring; wherein said first state machine include means for comparing an address of said selected second port with said stored addresses of ports not on said first communications ring; and means responsive to compared matching addresses for sending an open signal and said address of said selected second port to said second state machine; wherein said second state machine includes means responsive to said open signal from said first state machine for arbitrating for control of said second communications ring, and means responsive to controlling said second communications ring for sending a predetermined command to open communications with said selected second port; and wherein said first state machine and said second state machine include means for monitoring predetermined commands sent by said selected second port to close communications with said first port and means for monitoring predetermined commands sent by said first port to close communications with said selected second port.