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.
