The node communication controller (NCC) suitable for use in a line-replaceable unit (LRU) of a modular avionics system may include one or more embedded processors configured to host one or more functions associated with at least one avionics module of an avionics system, an input/output (I/O) controller, and one or more I/O ports, wherein the I/O controller is configured to route data between the one or more embedded processors and the at least one avionics module via the one or more I/O ports and a network communication bus, wherein the I/O controller is further configured to route data between a host processor of the LRU and an additional avionics module via the one or more I/O ports and the network communication bus.