Token Ring facts for kids

Token Ring was a way for computers to connect and share information in a local area network. Think of it like a special club where only one person can talk at a time. It used a method called token passing to make sure messages got sent without crashing into each other.

How Token Ring Networks Work

In a Token Ring network, computers are connected in a circle, or "ring." A special digital "token" constantly travels around this ring. This token is like a pass that allows a computer to speak.

The Token: Your Turn to Talk

The token has two main states:

• Free: This means no computer is currently sending a message. The token is empty and ready for use.
• Taken: This means a computer has grabbed the token and is using it to send data.

Sending a Message with the Token

When a computer wants to send a message, it waits for the free token to arrive.

• It grabs the token.
• It attaches its message to the token.
• It changes the token's state to "taken."
• The token, now carrying the message, continues its journey around the ring.

Receiving and Passing Messages

As the token with the message travels, every computer on the ring sees it.

• If a computer sees a message meant for it, it copies the message.
• After the message has completed its trip around the ring and returned to the sender, the sender then releases a new, empty token.
• If the message is not for a computer, that computer simply passes the token and message along to the next computer in the ring.

No Collisions!

Because a computer can only send data when it has the free token, only one computer can send a message at a time. This means there are no "collisions," which are like two people trying to talk at the exact same moment. This made Token Ring very reliable for its time.

History and Why It's Less Common Now

Token Ring technology was mostly used by a company called IBM from the 1970s to the 1990s. It was a popular way to build networks for businesses. However, over time, another networking method called Ethernet became much more popular. Ethernet was often cheaper and faster to set up, which is why it largely replaced Token Ring in most places today.

Images for kids

• 

  Token Ring network: operation of a MAU explained

• 
• 

  The IBM 8228 Multistation Access Unit with accompanying Setup Aid to prime the relays on each port

• 

  Both Token Ring and Ethernet interfaces on the 2210-24M

• 

  IBM Data Connectors on the IBM 8228 Multistation Access Unit.

• 

  8P8C 'Media Filters' that plug into an IBM Data Connector converting it for use with 8P8C connectors.

See also

In Spanish: Token Ring para niños