Standards for the token ring

The standardization of local area networks is an activity that serves the interests of the users of local area networks and the industry that provides local area network products. A consensus among manufacturers on common protocols and means of attachment allows a customer to install a single network in a department, building, or campus and have a choice of attaching equipment from many different vendors. Without this choice, which should be based on the data processing characteristics of the equipment and the data processing requirements of the customer, the customer must compromise data processing needs for data communication restrictions. In addition, a standard supported by different vendors increases competition, increases demand, and makes the development of expensive VLSI chips feasible, all of which contribute to lower cost to the customer. To make the standardization process fair, all interested parties have an opportunity to contribute to the standard-drafting process by an independent organization.