Token Rong switch

Token Ring switches have some functional elements that are identical to those of Ethernet switches: port-based forwarding of data packets, default packet forwarding, filtering, redundancy circuit support, and address table management.

In addition, token ring switches support the token method and source routing. If source routing is used, the data packet must be buffered at least until the Routing Information Field( RIF) is received. As with bridging, a maximum of 7 hops may be cascaded. If source routing is used in combination with transparent mode, a more flexible division of the individual rings is possible, as is the formation of virtual token rings with the option of forwarding the data packets between them using source routing.

Due to the token ring control method, it is always necessary to wait for a free token at the output port first, which makes output buffers necessary. In the case of full- duplex token ring, the procedure is modified accordingly so that a token is no longer required.