8-1

Chapter 8

Token Ring
This chapter examines the decisions and selections that must be made when designing a Token Ring
workgroup solution.
The process of designing a Token Ring workgroup or a series of interconnected
workgroups is somewhat different from the processes involved in designing an
Ethernet or Fast Ethernet workgroup. The Token Ring networking technology
places very strict limitations on several aspects of network design, and treats
individual stations in a different manner than the other technologies treated in
this document.

Token Ring Workgroup Devices

The following sections present and describe the various Cabletron Systems
workgroup networking devices that may be used to implement a Token Ring
networking solution.
Shared Devices
The vast majority of Token Ring networking devices available from Cabletron
Systems are differing types of concentrators. The distinctions between the
available devices are more differences of magnitude rather than of presence.
While almost all the Token Ring devices that Cabletron Systems manufactures
have some management capabilities, the Network Designer can choose the level
of management incorporated on the devices.