Token Ring LANs FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about token ring networking and networks.
This FAQ about token ring networking and networks. was compiled and written by James Messer James@NetworkUptime.com with numerous contributions by others.
1.1] What is this FAQ? (comp.dcom.lans.token-ring)- This FAQ will attempt to explain and decipher the intricacies ...
- 1.5] Can I use this FAQ on my web page? (comp.dcom.lans.token-ring)
- Since this FAQ changes almost daily, a copy of the FAQ on your ...
- 2.1] What is token ring?
- Token ring is the IEEE 802.5 standard that connects ...
- 2.2] How do Ethernet and token ring networks compare?
- Token Ring is single access, meaning there is only one token. Thus,...
- 2.3] Where are the IEEE specifications? (Introduction to Token Ring)
- The IEEE specifications can be purchased from the IEEE at:...
- 3.1] How does token ring work?
- A token ring network uses a special frame called a token ...
- 3.2] What is used to convert between Ethernet and Token Ring?
- There is no 'converter' that allows an Ethernet network and ...
- 4.1] What physical devices are required for a token ring network?
- Token ring connectivity requires three separate physical entities; ...
- 4.2] What types of cables are used for token ring?
- There are three major physical token ring cabling systems; ...
- 4.3] What pin assignments are used in token ring cabling?
- An IBM-type Data Connector or Universal Data Connector (IDC or UDC),...
- 4.4] What is the difference between a MAU, a CAU, and a LAM? (Token Ring Physical Layer)
- A MAU is a 8228 Multistation Access Unit. This unit provides ...
- 4.5] Can two token ring stations be directly attached?
- Unlike Ethernet stations, token ring stations _cannot_ be ...
- 4.6] What is the maximum distance between a MAU and a token ring station, or between two token ring stations?
- In token ring networking, distance requirements are different ...
- 4.7] What is the formula for computing adjusted ring length (ARL)? (Token Ring Physical Layer)
- The adjusted ring length of a token ring network is the sum of ...
- 4.8] Why is ring length important? (Token Ring Physical Layer)
- The design of any network is dependent on limits. In token ...
- 4.9] At what speeds does token ring run?
- Token ring runs at speeds of 4 megabits per second (500,000 ...
- 4.10] How many stations are supported by a single token ring network?
- Again, this number is dependent on the token ring equipment that ...
- 4.11] What is High Speed Token Ring?
- High Speed Token Ring, or HSTR, is a new token ring standard ...
- 5.1] What is a token? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- A token frame is a three byte frame that takes this format:...
- 5.2] What are MAC frames? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- A Media Access Control (MAC) frame is used for management of ...
- 5.3] What are LLC frames? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- A Logical Link Control (LLC) frame is used to transfer data ...
- 5.4] What are Locally Administered Addresses (LAAs)? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Token ring addresses are either locally administered or ...
- 5.5] What are functional addresses? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Functional addresses are assigned by the token ring specification ...
- 5.6] What is an Active Monitor and Standby Monitor? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Devices are either active monitors or standby monitors. There ...
- 5.7] What is early token release? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- In normal token ring operation, a station sending information ...
- 5.8] What is transparent bridging? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Transparent bridging is a method to connect two similar ...
- 5.9] What is the spanning tree protocol? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Spanning tree is a protocol defined in IEEE 802.1q to ...
- 5.10] What is source route bridging? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Source route bridging is a method to connect two similar ...
- 5.11] What is token ring switching? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- From a functional point of view switching is exactly the same ...
- 5.12] What is the process for inserting into a ring? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- This information is derived from the TMS380 Second-Generation ...
- 5.13] How do you troubleshoot the insertion process? (Token Ring Data Link Layer)
- Phase 0: Media Lobe Check ...
- 6.1] What are isolating and non-isolating errors? (Token Ring Errors and Troubleshooting)
- An isolating error can be attributable to a specific station on ...
- 6.2] What is the claim process? (Token Ring Errors and Troubleshooting)
- This is when a the ring elects a new Active Monitor. It is ...
- 6.3] What is a beacon frame? (Token Ring Errors and Troubleshooting)
- A beacon frame is sent generated by a station or stations that ...
- 6.4] What is promiscuous mode? (Token Ring Errors and Troubleshooting)
- Promiscuous mode is used with protocol analysis or ...
- 6.5] What non-commercial software is available to monitor a token ring network?
- A list of commercial, shareware, and freeware software is ...
- 7.1] What token ring books are available?
- The Certified Network Expert (CNX) consortium described in section [7.2] has an excellent list of token-ring books. This list ...
- 7.2] What certifications are available regarding token ring networks?
- A token ring-specific certification is available through ...
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