What is TokenRing?
| Token Ring Topology |
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A type of LAN in which networked computers are wired into a ring. Each computer (or node) is in constant contact with the next node in the ring. A control message, called a token, is passed from one node to another, allowing the node with the token to send a message out to the network. If the ring is "broken" by one computer losing contact, the network can no longer communicate. The IEEE 802.5 TokenRing standard is the most common. A ring for a local area network (LAN) in which a supervisory frame, or token, must be received by an attached terminal or workstation before that terminal or work-station can start transmitting. The workstation with the token then transmits and uses the entire bandwidth of whatever communications media the TokenRing network is using. A TokenRing can be wired as a circle or a star, with the workstations wired to a central wiring center, or to multiple wiring centers. The most common wiring scheme is called a star-wired ring. Whatever the wiring, a TokenRing LAN always works logically as a circle, with the token passing around the circle from one workstation to another. The advantage of TokenRing LANs is that media faults (broken cable) can be fixed easily, since it's easy to isolate the faults. TokenRings are typically installed in centralized closets, with loops snaking to served workstations. |
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