Ethernet (802.3) vs Token-Ring (802.5)

• Speed

  • Ethernet primarily 10 Mbps (moving to 100 Mbps and gigabit speeds)
  • Token-Ring Networks usually at 16 Mbps
  • TRNs can get closer to full capacity because token passing is more efficient than CSMA/CD at high traffic loads
  • Priority levels for real-time traffic (video teleconferencing, etc.)

• Cost

  • TRN is more complex, so NICs cost much more
  • TRN has low market share; low vendor competition adds to high NIC costs
  • Most firms do not find the benefits of TRNs to outweigh the costs

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