Distinction

• All devices connected to a network segment exist within a collision domain. When two devices within the same domain attempt to transmit at the same time, a collision occurs and the data packets are discarded. The more devices connected to a network segment, the more collisions. A token ring network sought to elevate this problem by connecting devices in a logical ring. A token frame was passed from computer to computer in a virtual circle until it arrived at a device that needed to transmit. This device would halt the token frame and transmit its data. After the transmission was completed, the sending device would pass along the token frame to the next machine in line and the process would begin again.
  
  

Pros

• Only the device with the token frame could transmit at any given time. This level of control allowed token ring networks to run larger networks at higher levels of efficiency. This capacity and efficiency was a huge advantage at a time when network hubs were commonly used. Since very little data had to be transmitted due to a collision, the ensuing network traffic maintained greater data integrity and used nearly all of its bandwidth on good data packets rather than retransmitted ones.
  
  

Cons

• The downside to token ring networks is that the equipment required is expensive and continues to be so as the technology becomes more antiquated. Most manufacturers no longer develop or support token ring technology, so in addition to the higher cost of purchasing equipment there is the added difficulty of finding the equipment. A new token ring network may have to rely on legacy equipment. In addition to the cost and difficulty, a token ring network is significantly slower then Ethernet as each computer needs to wait its turn in the ring for the token frame to arrive before it can communicate.
  
  

Alternative

• A modern network has virtually no reason not to use an Ethernet network topology. Network switches are more prevalent and help prevent collision problems by establishing a separate collision domain for each unit connected to them. The additional speed offered by Ethernet networks also tends to offset the inefficiency due to lost packets. The equipment is also much cheaper, easier to find, and simpler to install.