IBM token ring refers to IBM's implementation of token ring technology for linking personal computers in a local area network (LAN). The technology was introduced and promoted by IBM in the early 1980s and was standardized as the IEE 802.5 specification by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. now. ... Token-Ring local area network (LAN) technology was developed and promoted by IBM in the early 1980s and standardised as IEEE 802. ... Local area network scheme A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a local area, like a home, office, or group of buildings. ... The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE (pronounced as eye-triple-e) is an international non-profit, professional organization for the advancement of technology related to electricity. ...

IBM's implementation involved a "star topology" arrangement of end-host computers attached to a multistation access unit (MAU). The original data speed available in the system was four megabits per second, and IBM subsequently introduced sixteen magabit per second products. The end-host computers were directly attached to the MAU and passed the control token around the ring to manage access and avoid conflicts in data exchange. The megabit is a unit of information storage. ... Token Passing is a technique in which only that system can communicate that has token. ... In general, data consist of propositions that reflect reality. ...

Despite heavy promotion by IBM, token ring technology lost out to cheaper Ethernet implementations in the 1990s. IBM finally abandoned token ring support, and switched Ethernet now dominates the LAN market. Ethernet is a large and diverse family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). ... A modular network switch with 3 network modules (a total of 24 Ethernet and 14 Fast Ethernet ports) and one power supply. ...

References

• Network Consultants Handbook by Matthew Castelli, Cisco Press 2002 ISBN 1-58705-039-0
• Networking Explained by Michael Gallo and William M. Hancock, Digital Press 2001 ISBN 1-55558-252-4

External links

• Futureobservatory.org discussion of IBM's failure in token ring technology