A metallic bridge (16) is operable to join a first local area network (12) with a second local area network (14). Processor cards (18, 20 and 22) are deployed to provide redundant protection. Processor card (18a) is attached to LAN A (12) and processor card (18b) is attached to LAN B (14). In the event of a single point of failure in either the processor cards (18, 20 and 22) or the local area network media or a power failure, the metallic bridge (16) will open and separate the local area networks (12, 14). Operation will continue on the operable local area network.