What is Token Ring? | How Does Token Technology Work?

Token Ring is a circular network connecting computers. The network packet travels through the ring, facilitating information exchange. In this way, computers can exchange information.

What is the Token Ring Network and Its History?

IBM company is the basis for the most basic history of the Token Ring network. In the 1970s, IBM created this LAN technology as an alternative to Ethernet. Hence, the IEEE 802.5 document published in 1985 refers to the first standard. The document refers to transmitting information, not connecting computers. Additionally, the document relates to sharing information, not connecting computers.

E. E. Newhall designed the first one in 1969. IBM published the Token-Ring topology in March 1982. With the continued network development, the speed increased to 4 Mbps in 1988. Additionally, they introduced the second-gen Ring-II with rates up to 16 Mbps. It also uses coaxial cable and fiber optics.

New LAN cabling costs became essential. Thus, old Ring-II networks with twisted pair wires required rewiring.

When it first came to be, big companies became interested. They liked its secure and stable solution. So, this feature uses a token system to keep data safe.

When Ethernet became famous, these networks lost favor. People found them costly and complicated to set up. So, they switched to Ethernet, which is more straightforward.

During the 1990s, Ethernet networks gained popularity and overshadowed the Token Ring. As a result, in the 2000s, users widely adopted Ethernet for most structures.

How Does Token Ring Work?

The token network has a logical ring designed as a physical star.

Unlike Ethernet networks, these LANs are deterministic. The main reason is that the device controls medium access. Thus, only one computer can send data at a time. Data packets determine which computer can share data, achieving this control.

MAU (Multistation Access Unit) connects computers in a star shape in the Token Ring network. This hardware connects computers like physical star topology. But, it logically works as a ring topology.

Lobes connect computers to the MAU; one lobe’s max cable length is 22.5 or 100 meters. Additionally, if the network expands, the length can be up to 2.5 km using repeaters.

These networks expand through the Ring-Out and Ring-In ports of MAUs; up to 33 devices can connect. Also, extensive ones like campuses use fiber cables.

This technology has an advanced priority system for specific users. Moreover, the system prioritizes higher-priority computers to use the web more frequently. You can manage an MAU device over the serial interface using the SNMP protocol.

Key Features of Token Ring

Let’s examine the secure token features preferred by big companies. Still, modern networks offer better efficiency and security.

• Fast Data Transfer: Thanks to this LAN technology, you can quickly transfer data. However, each device only sends its data once it receives the packet.
• Low Data Losses: Token-based structure reduces losses. Hence, devices avoid direct connection for prevention.
• High Security: This structure works on a simple idea. Data moves with the permission-based transmission. Thus, each device can only send a packet if it receives the packet. In this case, packet transmission in the LAN is relatively high security.
• Low Latency: It is a network protocol for super-fast, low-latency packet transmission. Moreover, each device expects tokens within specific timeframes.
• Equal Distribution: The device shares tokens equally with others. This helps in a reasonable transfer of data between devices.
• Flexible Expansion: In these networks, you can expand flexibly. With ring logic, users configure these LANs. Adding new devices is effortless.
• Error Detection System: This system has a unique technology. It can discover and repair mistakes during data transfer.

Cable Structure in Token Networks

Networks commonly use cable: shielded/unshielded twisted pair. Or coaxial or fiber optic cables achieve higher data transfer rates.

A star wiring center can detect and correct faults if the cable breaks or gets damaged in this network. In such cases, this solution resolves the problem.

The LAN fixes a problem in the ring, enabling it to continue operating. Additionally, computers connect to this structure using RIUs (Ring Interface Units).

Working Logic of Token Technology

Token networks use different mechanisms for error detection. One such mechanism involves designating a LAN computer as an active monitor. Also, this helps ensure smooth operation.

This computer is a central time information source for computers in another ring. So, it performs the maintenance function effectively.

The active monitoring computer is any network computer. Its task is to cut the constant roaming of ring frames. Additionally, it helps maintain efficient LAN performance.

If this process fails, it blocks other computers from forwarding frames. So, the LAN may become blocked as well. The monitor detects edges and extracts them from the web. Then, it creates a new token as well.

Advantages

1. It does not need routing.
2. The wiring required is low.
3. The LAN is easy to grow.
4. It can send packets to more stations by amplifying the signal.

Disadvantages

1. It is susceptible to failures that may occur in the LAN.
2. Due to a fault in the ring, all LAN operation ceases.
3. It is difficult as the software configurations of each node are more complex.

Conclusion

If I were to explain Token Ring networks fully, I would say that they are old but pave the way for innovations. In summary, it contributed to the development of Ethernet technology today.

In short, in ancient times, this network structure was widespread but costly. Although it had advantages in its time, it is not currently available in the market. But if we are diving into computer LANs, we need to know such structures.