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