Token ring

Token ring

Token ring local area network (LAN) technology is a communications protocol for local area networks. It uses a special three-byte frame called a “token” that travels around a logical “ring”of work stations or servers. This token passing is a channel access method providing fair access for all stations, and eliminating the collisions of contention-based access methods.

Comparison with Ethernet

Ethernet and Token ring have some notable differences:

-      Token Ring access is more deterministic, compared to Ethernet’s contention-based CSMA/CD

-      Ethernet supports a directcable connection between two network interface cards by the use of a crossover cable or through auto-sensing if supported. Token ring does not inherently support this feature and requires additional software and hardware to operateon a direct cable connection setup.

-      Token ring eliminate collision by the use of a single-use token and early token and early token release to alleviate the down time. Ethernet alleviates collision by carrier sense multiple access and by the use of an intelligent switch; primitive Ethernet devices like hubs can precipitate collisions due to repeating traffic blindly.