For continuing multicast data transfer according to path control information after being switched from an active status to a standby status, it is necessary that the standby status hold the same path control information as the active status. However, a synchronization of the path control information thereof is not guaranteed. To solve the above-mentioned problem, this invention provides a data transfer apparatus coupled to a network, including a plurality of interfaces for transmitting and receiving data, in which the data transfer apparatus is configured to: create transfer destination information for correlating a destination of the data with the interfaces for transmitting the data to be transmitted to the destination; and transmit, upon reception of multicast data via one of the interfaces before being judged that the transfer destination information has been created, the multicast data from at least one of the interfaces irrespective of the transfer destination information.