Token Ring

Token Ring

·         Network Topologies were discussed (Type of networks topology 2007) Token Ring operates as a logical ring but the devices are all connected to a hub-like device called a Multi-Station Access Unit (MSAU) which makes its physical topology a star. Sheesley (2008) stated that Token Ring was developed in the early 1980's by IBM as a way to connect PCs together. It was a direct competitor to the Ethernet standard that we use today and the ARCnet standard that disappeared in the mid-80's.

·         In token ring, Data being transmitted sequentially from one ring station to the next with a control token circulating around the ring controlling access. Token passing mechanism is shared by ARCNET, token bus, and FDDI, and has theoretical advantages over the stochastic CSMA/CD of Ethernet. A token ring network is wired as a star, with hubs and arms out to each station and the loop going out-and- back through each. Cabling is generally "Type-1" shielded twisted pair, with unique hermaphroditic connectors, commonly referred to as IBM data connectors in formal writing or colloquially as Boy George connectors Shah (2013: 22)

Other Logical Topologies:

Local Talk – it is a logical topology designed by Apple Computer, Inc. specifically for networking Macintosh computers. A case in which Local Talk may be appropriate is for a home network that requires simple configuration and does not require a high output. Local Talk uses a transmission method called Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA). It is similar to the CSMA/CD used in Ethernet networks, except that a node on a Local Talk network signals its intent to transmit before it actually does so. Through this, collisions and the need for the re-transmitting of data are usually avoided. (Y.Xin et al. 2003: 904).

 Token Ring Explained