LAN: Ethernet

Abstract

This chapter and the following three chapters discuss the three main technologies used in local area networks (LANs). These are Ethernet, token ring and FDDI. They differ mainly in:

• The network topology. Ethernet is a bus network, whereas token ring and FDDI are ring networks;

• Their bit rates. The standard Ethernet uses a bit rate of 10 Mbps whereas FDDI uses 100 Mbps and token ring uses 16 Mbps;

• Their mode of access. Ethernet is a contention-type network where all nodes on a segment contend to get access to the network, whereas token ring and FDDI network have a token which is passed from node to node. The token-passing method allows all nodes on the network an equal share of the data interchange.