On the use of multiple tokens on ring networks

A solution to the token ring problem of lowered efficiency during light and moderate loads is proposed. It is shown how the medium access can be managed in a distributed way, using two tokens. The overhead is kept to a minimum. It is shown that the performance of this protocol is superior to that of the single-token ring protocol under light to medium loads, while it is slightly worse at higher loads. The protocol is then extended to a greater number of tokens. It is shown that increasing the number of tokens improves the performance at light load, but degrades the performance at high load.<
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