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Glossary of Data Communications Terms
Courtesy Enterprise-Wide Computing, Inc.
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Term:
IBM Token Ring
Definition:
A token-passing, ring-shaped local area network developed
by IBM that operates at 4 megabits (4 million bits) per
second. With standard telephone wiring, the Token Ring
network can connect up to 72 devices; with shielded
twisted-pair (STP) wiring, the network supports up to 260
devices. Although it is based on a ring (closed loop)
topology, the Token Ring network uses star-shaped clusters
of up to eight workstations connected to a wiring
concentrator (Multistation Access Unit, or MSAU), which, in
turn, is connected to the main ring. The Token Ring network
is designed to accommodate microcomputers, minicomputers,
and mainframes; it follows the IEEE 802.5 standards for
token ring networks.
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