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What is Token Ring?
Token Ring is a networking technology that was popular during the early days of computer networking. It was developed by IBM in the 1970s as an alternative to Ethernet, which was also emerging as a widely used networking standard.
In a Token Ring network, computers are connected in a logical ring topology. Unlike Ethernet, where data is transmitted in a decentralized manner, Token Ring uses a token passing mechanism to control access to the network. This means that only the computer holding the token can transmit data.
How Token Ring works
In a Token Ring network, a small frame called a token is circulated around the network. The token serves as a permit for a computer to transmit data. When a computer has data to send, it waits for the token to arrive at its position in the ring. Once the token arrives, the computer takes possession of it, attaches its data to the token, and then releases it back onto the ring.
As the token is continuously circulated, each computer on the ring has an opportunity to transmit its data. This token passing mechanism ensures fairness in distributing network bandwidth and prevents data collisions.
The advantages and disadvantages of Token Ring
Token Ring has several advantages over Ethernet. First, it provides deterministic access to the network, meaning that each computer is guaranteed a fair opportunity to transmit data. This is particularly important in real-time applications where a predictable network delay is crucial.
Additionally, Token Ring networks have inherent security features. Since only the computer holding the token can transmit data, unauthorized access is significantly reduced. This makes Token Ring a more secure option compared to Ethernet.
However, Token Ring also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is its lower scalability. As the network size increases, the time it takes for the token to circulate around the ring also increases, resulting in reduced overall network performance.
Furthermore, Token Ring technology became less popular over the years due to the emergence of Ethernet as the dominant networking standard. Ethernet offered higher speeds, greater scalability, and lower cost, making it a more attractive choice for most organizations.
In conclusion, Token Ring was an important networking technology during its time, offering deterministic access and enhanced security. However, it became overshadowed by the widespread adoption of Ethernet. Understanding the history and working principles of Token Ring gives us insights into the evolution of network technologies throughout the years.
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