General A token passing ring LAN is a group of computers connected in a loop.

The group uses a token passing access mechanism. A computer wishing to send data should first receive permission. When it gets control of the network it may transmit a frame. Each frame transmitted on the ring is transmitted from one computer to the next, untill it ultimately returns to the initiator of the transmition. The Token Passing Ring Network was originally developed by IBM and only Ethernet LANs are more popular. The IEEE 802.5 specification which was modeled after IBM's Token Ring is almost identical and the term Token Ring is used to refer both specifications.. FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interconnect) is an improved token ring specification based on fiber as the physical medum. As opposed to Token Ring's single ring, FDDI, uses two to achieve better results. CDDI, yet another standard, resembles FDDI, but uses a copper wire for it's ring. Characteristics

Comparison of basic characteristics

Technology

Data Rate (Mbps)

Maximum Segment Length (m)

Media

Rings Recovery Can handle a computer failure but cant recover from a broken connection.

IBM Token Ring

4/16

250 Shielded Twisted 72 Unshielded pair