A packet communications apparatus of the present invention essentially comprises
a plurality of network interfaces (NIFs), a learned address table, a packet forwarding
unit (PFU) and a processor for directive packets to change state (PDPCS). The learned
address table contains information for identifying a NIF through which to send
a packet. The PFU selects a port through which to forward a packet by referring
to the learned address table, according to the state of the NIFs, and forwards
or discards a packet received from a user terminal. The PDPCS receives a packet
including a directive to change the state of a specific NIF to one of the connected
state, disconnected state and stateless. The PDPCS changes the state of the specific
NIF to one of the connected state, disconnected state and stateless, according
to the directive in the packet.
