a serial intelligent cell and a connection topology for local area networks using electrically - conducting media . a local area network can be configured from a plurality of sic &# 39 ; s interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent sic &# 39 ; s is both point - to - point and bidirectional . each sic can be connected to one or more other sic &# 39 ; s to allow redundant communication paths . communications in different areas of a sic network are independent of one another , so that , unlike current bus topology and star topology , there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a sic network . each sic can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals , computers , telephones , sensors , actuators , etc ., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices . networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications , including a local telephone system , remote computer bus extender , multiplexers , pabx / pbx functionality , security systems , and local broadcasting services . the network can use dedicated wiring , as well as existing wiring as the in - house telephone or electrical wiring .