Token Ring in Computer Networks

What is a Token Ring?

A token ring is a computer network topology and access method to connect devices in a physical ring or loop. In a token ring network, data can travel in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner around the ring, and devices are connected to the network in a sequential fashion. This topology contrasts other network topologies, such as Ethernet, which use a bus or star configuration.

What is a Token Ring Network?

A Token Ring network is a type of local area network (LAN) technology that uses a ring topology to connect devices. In a Token Ring network, devices are connected in a physical or logical ring, and data travels around the ring in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner. The term "token" refers to a particular control packet to manage network access.

History of Token Ring

Token Ring technology has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s and has seen several developments and changes. Here's a brief history of the Token Ring:

Early Development (1970s): The concept of Token Ring technology was initially developed by IBM in the early 1970s. IBM introduced its first Token Ring network under the name "IBM Token Ring Architecture" in the late 1970s. This technology was intended for use in IBM's larger mainframe computer systems.
IEEE Standardization (1980s): In the early 1980s, Token Ring technology began to gain broader acceptance. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed a standard for Token Ring LANs called IEEE 802.5. This standardization effort helped Token Ring become a more widely adopted LAN technology.
Commercialization (1980s): Throughout the 1980s, various technology companies, including IBM and others, commercialized Token Ring hardware and software. This led to the widespread deployment of Token Ring networks in corporate and enterprise environments. The technology offered deterministic access, which was attractive for mission-critical applications.
Speed Improvements (1990s): In the early 1990s, Token Ring networks primarily operated at 4 Mbps (megabits per second). However, technological advancements led to the development of Token Ring networks running at 16 Mbps, providing faster data transmission.
Challenges from Ethernet (1990s): Despite its reliability and determinism, Token Ring faced competition from Ethernet LANs, which were becoming more popular and cost-effective. Ethernet's shared bus topology and CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) access method made it easier to implement and scale, while Token Ring required specialized hardware.
Token Ring 100 and 1000 (2000s): To remain competitive, Token Ring technology evolved to offer higher speeds. Token Ring 100 (100 Mbps) and Token Ring 1000 (1 Gbps) were introduced in the early 2000s. However, these developments came relatively late in the history of LAN technologies, and Ethernet had already established its dominance.
Decline and Legacy (2000s-Present): Despite efforts to improve and evolve the Token Ring, it gradually declined in popularity and market share. Ethernet became the dominant LAN technology for most networking applications. Many organizations migrated from token rings to Ethernet networks, rendering token rings largely legacy.

What is Token Ring Star Topology?

A Token Ring star topology is a type of traditional Token Ring network topology in which the physical layout of the network combines the star configuration, even though the logical structure of the network remains a ring. This design combines elements of both star and ring topologies to provide certain advantages. The token ring star topology works in the following manner.

Physical Star Layout: In a Token Ring star topology, all the devices are connected to a central hub or Multistation Access Unit (MAU). This central hub is also known as the focal point of the star. Each device, such as computers or network printers, has a dedicated connection to the hub, and these connections radiate out from the hub like the spokes of a wheel.
Logical Ring Structure: The layout of the logical ring topology; the entire network maintains a logical ring structure created internally within the central hub. This means that data packets and the token will continue circling within a ring within the hub, just as they would in a traditional Token Ring network with a physical ring topology.
Token Passing: The controller of the token passing still controls access to the network. When a device is connected to the hub then, the hub needs to transmit data. It waits for the token to arrive at the hub. Once it has the token, it can transmit data onto the logical ring within the hub. The token continues to circulate until another device needs to transmit.

What are Type 1 and Type 3 Token Ring Networks?

In Token Ring networks, Type 1 and Type 3 are two different standards or categories of Token Ring networks. These standards are part of the IEEE 802.5 series for Token Ring LANs. Each type specifies other physical characteristics and requirements for Token Ring networks:

Type 1 Token Ring (IEEE 802.5):

Speed: The Type 1 Token Ring operates at a data rate of 4 Mbps (megabits per second).
Cabling: Type 1 Token Ring networks use shielded twisted-pair cables. It is also referred to as STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cabling. These cables are designed to reduce electromagnetic interference, and these also enhance the reliability of the network.
Topology: Type 1 Token Ring networks typically use a physical ring topology, where devices are connected sequentially in a closed-loop configuration. The token-passing protocol maintains the logical ring structure.
Connectors: Type 1 Token Ring networks often use IBM Data Connectors (IDCs) as the standard connectors for connecting devices to the network.

Type 3 Token Ring (IEEE 802.5):

Speed: Type 3 Token Ring networks operate at a data rate of 16 Mbps (megabits per second). This represents a significant speed increase compared to Type 1.
Cabling: Type 3 Token Ring networks also use shielded twisted-pair cables (STP) similar to Type 1. However, these cables may have different specifications to accommodate the higher data rate.
Topology: Type 3 Token Ring networks can maintain the physical ring topology, but they can also be implemented with a physical star topology where devices are connected to a central hub (Multistation Access Unit or MAU). Despite the physical star layout, the logical ring structure is maintained internally within the hub.
Connectors: Type 3 Token Ring networks may use the same IBM Data Connectors (IDCs) as Type 1 networks or other connectors compatible with the higher data rate.

What is a Full-duplex Token Ring?

It is a token ring network that enables simultaneous bidirectional communication (i.e., full-duplex communication) between devices on the network. Traditionally, the ring topology Is used to establish communication in a half-duplex mode, which means that devices can either transmit or receive data but not both simultaneously. The main purpose of full-duplex token ring networks is to enhance network efficiency and capacity.

Moreover, full-duplex Token Ring networks also offer reduced latency, which is used to make them ideal for applications demanding low-latency communication, such as real-time video conferencing and voice calls. Reducing latency can also enhance user experience and support critical, time-sensitive tasks.

Implementing a full-duplex Token Ring requires compatible hardware, including network interface cards (NICs) and other network equipment to handle simultaneous bidirectional data transmission. The good news is that full-duplex Token Ring networks are often backwards compatible with traditional Token Ring devices operating in half-duplex mode, allowing for a gradual transition without needing an immediate, costly network-wide upgrade. This flexibility ensures a smoother migration path for organizations harnessing the advantages of simultaneous, high-speed bidirectional communication within their Token Ring infrastructure.

Advantages of Token Rings

There are some advantages to using the token ring. These are as follows:

Deterministic Access: Token Ring networks provide access to the network, meaning all the devices are granted access in a predefined order. This also ensures that every device on the network gets a better opportunity to transmit data without contention or collisions. Deterministic access benefits applications requiring predictable network behaviour and guaranteed access to the network medium.
Reliability: Token Ring networks are known for their reliability. Since only one device can transmit at a time, data collisions are virtually eliminated, resulting in fewer retransmissions and higher overall network integrity. This reliability makes Token Ring suitable for mission-critical applications.
Predictable Performance: Token Ring networks offer consistent and predictable performance, making them ideal for real-time applications such as voice and video communication, where low latency and consistent data delivery are essential.
Low Latency: Token Ring networks typically exhibit low latency, making them suitable for applications that require rapid data transmission and response times. Due to deterministic access and minimal contention,
Data Integrity: Token Ring networks provide high data integrity because they minimize the risk of data corruption caused by collisions. This is essential for applications where data accuracy is paramount.
Security: Token Ring networks provide inherent security advantages. Devices must have the token, which is further used to transmit data, making it more challenging for unauthorized devices to access the network. However, it's important to note that modern Ethernet networks often incorporate security features.
Support for Full-Duplex: Some Token Ring networks, also known as full-duplex simultaneous bidirectional communication, are supported by the Token Ring networks. This can enhance network efficiency and capacity by allowing devices to send and receive data simultaneously.
Backward Compatibility: Token Ring networks also support legacy devices operating at lower speeds or in half-duplex mode. It also allows for gradual network upgrades without the immediate replacement of older equipment.

Disadvantages of Token Rings

Token rings provide some advantages like determinism and reliability. Similarly, it also has some disadvantages, which will decrease the popularity of the token rings. Those disadvantages are as follows:

Complex Installation and Maintenance: Setting up and maintaining a token ring network can be more complex and costly than Ethernet. It requires careful attention to cabling, connectors, and the physical ring topology.
Lower Data Transfer Rates: Token Ring networks were operated at lower data rates than Ethernet. The original Token Ring networks ran at 4 Mbps (megabits per second), and even faster versions (e.g., 16 Mbps) were slower than the 10 Mbps Ethernet. While faster versions were developed, they were less commonly adopted.
Limited Scalability: Token Ring networks also had limitations in terms of scalability. The time it took for the token to circulate could increase because more devices were added to the network, which could lead to potential delays in data transmission. This made the token ring less suitable for large networks.
Single Point of Failure: A single cable break or network device failure disrupts the entire network in a physical ring topology. While redundant ring configurations could somewhat overcome this issue, they added complexity and cost.
Cost: Token Ring networks also needed specialized hardware, including network interface cards (NICs) and MAUs (Multistation Access Units). This hardware was generally more expensive than its Ethernet counterparts.
Lack of Industry Support: Ethernet became the dominant LAN technology because of widespread industry support and standardization. Token Ring was associated with IBM, limiting its adoption outside specific industries.
Legacy Technology: As Ethernet evolved with higher speeds and improved cost-effectiveness, Token Ring remained relatively dumb. This made Token Ring a legacy technology that struggled to keep pace with the demands of modern networking.
Transition Challenges: Transitioning from Token Ring to Ethernet or other networking technologies could be challenging and costly for organizations with existing Token Ring infrastructure.
Complex Troubleshooting: In network issues, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems on a Token Ring network could be more complicated than on Ethernet networks.

What is Token Passing?

It is a network access method used in specific computer networks, such as token rings and FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface). It is also a type of mechanism used to regulate the devices on the network that can access the network medium to transmit data.

At first, the special data packet, also known as a "token," is generated and placed onto the network. This token serves as a permission slip, which grants the holder the right to transmit data on the network. Depending on the specific network technology, the token can be generated by a central device or through a distributed process.

After the token is introduced into the network, it circulates continuously following a predefined order as it moves from one device to the next. Every device on the network listens for the token as it travels along the network medium. When a device receives the token, it understands it has been granted permission to transmit data.

When a device has data that is going to be sent, it seizes the token and attaches its data to it before releasing it back onto the network. The token now carries the attached data as it continues to circulate. It travels through the network until its destination device or devices, where the data is captured and processed.

While data is transmitted, the other devices on the network remain in listening mode. They monitor the data as it circulates but do not interfere with the transmission. This ensures that only one device can transmit data simultaneously, preventing collisions and ensuring orderly communication.

After a device successfully transmits its data, it releases the token onto the network, allowing it to resume circulation. This process repeats continuously, ensuring that devices on the network take turns transmitting data without contention or interference from other devices.

How does a Token Ring compare to an Ethernet?

Token Ring and Ethernet are two different LAN (Local Area Network) technologies used in the networking industry. While both have been used for similar purposes, they have unique characteristics and differences. Here's a comparison of Token Ring and Ethernet:

Differences	Token ring network	Internet
Topology	Token Ring networks are used for a physical ring topology, connecting devices in a closed-loop topology. A token-passing protocol controls access to the network.	Ethernet networks are used for a physical star or bus topology, where all the devices are connected to a central hub (star) or daisy chain along a common cable (bus). Ethernet employs the CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) protocol to manage access.
Access Method	Token Ring networks use an excellent access method, where devices take their moves based on the circulating token. Collisions are rare, which ensures predictable and reliable network behaviour.	Ethernet networks use a contention-based access method (CSMA/CD) where devices contend are used to access the network. Collisions can occur; when they do, devices must retry their transmissions.
Data Transmission	Token Ring networks transmit data in a unidirectional or bidirectional manner based on the specific implementation. Devices can transmit and receive the data simultaneously in full-duplex Token Ring networks.	Ethernet networks also support bidirectional communication, and modern Ethernet networks often operate in full-duplex mode, which allows the devices to send and receive data simultaneously.
Speed	Traditional Token Ring networks operated at 4 Mbps (Type 1) and 16 Mbps (Type 3). Later versions introduced higher speeds, but they were less common.	Ethernet has seen continuous speed upgrades, from the original 10 Mbps (10BASE-T) to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps, among others.
Industry Adoption	Token Ring was famous in some industries, such as banking and finance, during the 1980s and early 1990s. However, its adoption declined in the face of Ethernet's dominance.	Ethernet has become the dominant LAN technology globally, used in various applications, from homes to data centres and the internet.
Cost and Complexity	Token Ring networks were more expensive to implement because of their specialized hardware and cabling requirements. They were also perceived as more complex to set up.	Ethernet networks have become cost-effective and relatively easy to install because of their standardized cabling (e.g., Cat5e or Cat6) and widely available off-the-shelf hardware.
Scalability	Token Ring networks can be less scalable than Ethernet networks because of their physical ring topology and limitations on the number of devices that could be added.	Ethernet networks are highly scalable, which allows for the addition of more devices and the use of switches to create more extensive networks.