Token Ring

A Token Ring is essentially a LAN (local area network) where all computers are connected in a circular or star topology. It can also be defined as a token-passing scheme that prevents data from colliding in between two machines looking to simultaneously transmit messages. After Ethernet, Token Ring is the most widely used protocol on a LAN. How Token Ring Works: 1. Empty data frames repeatedly circulate on the ring. 2. A token is inserted on an empty frame when the computer needs to send a message. A message and destination identifier are also inserted into the frame. 3. The data frame is examined by all successive workstations. If a workstation finds that the frame contains the message destination, it copies the message and circles it back to the originator. 4. When the originator receives the data frame, it notices that the token has been modified. It then removes the message from the frame. 5. The empty data frame continues to circulate, awaiting messages that need to be forwarded to a workstation.