1. A method for controlling digital signals in a communications system, said system including a plurality of stations, at least two of said stations being coupled to both a first and a second signal path, said method including the steps of writing signals on said first path and reading signals from said second path and characterized in that said signals on said first path include first control and data signals, said signals on said second path include second control and data signals, said first and second paths are, separate, independent, unidirectional and oppositely directed with respect to each other, and said method further comprising the steps of reading said first control signals from said first path, said first path reading step occurring logically before said writing on said first path, responsive to first control signals read from said first path avoiding a collision on said first path, writing second control signals on said second path, said second path writing step occurring logically after said reading from said second path responsive to second control signals read from said second path, avoiding a collision on said second path.