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 address-transparent device couples between two networks in a
semiconductor fab for communicating packets between a host on a first network 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. The address-transparent device couples to the host through the first network and couples to the tool through the second network where the address-transparent device having a first port with no
IP address and a second port with a subnet
IP address. 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. The address-transparent device can intercept all or a portion of data streams, while forwards other portions of data streams to a destination. The header of the original packet is stored for subsequent use for sending a reply to an intercepted packet. In a third aspect of the invention, the address-transparent device reroutes packet to another destination by changing the header of the received packet. The header of the original packet is modified, replacing the original header information with the header information of the destination device. The header of the original packet is stored for subsequent use for sending a reply to a rerouted packet.