A intelligent network interface network port (INIP) is provided that
enables a visiting computer to be connected to a local area network
(LAN), even though the LAN is not configured to support the visiting
computer. Upon detecting one of several specific types of messages, the
INIP modifies the message, retransmits the modified message and notifies
the visiting computer that the INIP is the appropriate target for the
message, thus acting as a relay point between the visiting computer and
other devices both on the LAN and accessible through it. This enables the
visiting computer to transparently connect to a LAN that is not
configured to support it.