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Why Use a Token Ring Network

There are various types of local area networks that businesses and even home owners set up to enable better efficiencies. Networks serve many purposes chief of which is to allow many computers and devices to share the same Internet connection. Networks also enable the sharing of computer hardware and resources between many different locations or people.
For example, if you own a online casino games business, you need your network to be fast and reliable for your customers. Your online casino games business needs to be functional on various networks so you have to make some decisions about your network.

One of the most popular computer network configurations is the token ring. This is not by accident; the token ring configuration is simple and effective. It can also handle heavy network loads better than some other configurations as there is no risk of data collision during transmission. It is also a very fast network configuration when done correctly. The reduction in collision rates ensures that data being transmitted gets to its destination quickly. Another big advantage is that there is no need for a network server. This makes it a good choice for many setups such as online casino games websites.

Many operations use this type of structure. Some setups that enable online casino playing still use token ring network topology. This network structure is not dead as some people may want to think. Anywhere IBM technology is used, this topology is sure to exist. There are still many uses for this type of network. If an IT infrastructure is running low on capacity, token ring switching can be used to boost capacity. This is important as bandwidth is a problem in some settings. This structure is known to have effective bandwidth due to efficient transmission.

There are many reasons why switching from token ring technology to another should be carefully planned. Just because others are switching shouldn’t be the reason. Depending on your online casino games company’s setup and uses of its network, there may be no reason to spend money switching. Like any other business decision careful thought needs to be put into why and when to change existing protocols.

Filed Under: Internet, Token Ring

StarCraft 2 Lacks LAN Capabilities

Animated initial letters from videogame Starcr...
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Many people, especially people who enjoy playing computer games, know that StarCraft is one of the biggest LAN, or local area network, games in the world. In fact, this game is so popular, that there are world wide leagues and competitions with huge cash prizes for the winners. Because StarCraft is so extremely popular as a LAN game, many people were extremely excited about the release of StarCraft 2. This game was released by Blizzard Entertainment in July 2010.

Though it was highly anticipated, many people feel a little disappointed. Even though those that play the game feel that it is still an amazing game, it lacks one important feature. StarCraft 2 is not LAN capable. Though the game is played over the internet, many feel that this is not good enough. In fact, for some the fact that there are no local area network capabilities for the game make it sub par. Many people now are even turning back to the original StarCraft because of this.

On the other hand, many feel that the fact that the game is played over the internet is good enough. You are still able to play with or against your friends by making a party. The problem with this comes in when there is not an internet connection available. With the original game of StarCraft, you did not have to have an internet connection at all to play. You just had to have everyone hook up to the network. Now, if your internet connection is having trouble, or you don’t have internet at all, you are unable to play the game.

Though many people are frustrated with the lack of LAN capabilities on StarCraft 2, the game is still extremely popular. It is a game that is able to be played with friends, and even with people all over the world. Adding LAN capabilities to the game would just make it that much better for gamers that love this series.

Filed Under: Technology, Token Ring Tagged With: , ,

The Gioteck EX

The wired headset for the Xbox 360.
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The Gioteck EX-01 Gaming Headset for Playstation 3 is the premier gaming headset for the beginner or veteran gamer. It is one of the best designed gaming headsets on the market today and one of the most cost-effective headsets as well.

This gaming headset has four main features that make gamers fall in love with it each time it is used. Those features are a 20 degree variable microphone arm, ergonomically designed controls, external speaker sponge and chargers via USB port.
The greatest feature about this gaming headset is that it is exclusively designed for gaming, not cell phones. This headset cannot be used with any phone or cell phone on the market, only for gaming, especially Playstation 3.

The Gioteck Ex-01 Gaming Headset for Playstation 3 is light years ahead of all other gaming headsets because of its exclusivity for gaming. With this headset, the speaker sponge makes for more comfortable gaming and for a longer period of time. Most headsets sit inside of the ear and become uncomfortable after a period of time. Not this headset. This headset sits on the ear, not inside the ear, and the sponge makes for a more comfortable experience.

Some technical problems have arisen with the use of this gaming headset but can be fixed quickly and in time for a gaming session. There have been reports of connection problems, speaker problems and charging problems. It takes a while to charge this headset, as with all other headsets, so allow for extra charging time before gaming.

The headset does not provide a way to check the charging status when it is plugged in or when the gamer is gaming. Again, allow for ample charging time. The instructions provided with this gaming headset are ideal for the gamer, whether beginner or veteran, and are easy to follow in the setup process.

Filed Under: Technology, Token Ring Tagged With: , , ,

Learn About Computer Poker Tables: Token Ring Basics

What is a token ring?

Ethernet 10Base-5/2 ISA NIC.
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A token ring network is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that is used to connect computers, allowing them to communicate. To better understand how a token ring works, you must understand what a LAN is. LANs typically consist of small areas such as a house or office. This network connects all the computers and other devices, such as wireless laptops or printers, together.

A token ring network works by passing a token, or a specific bit pattern, around in a circle of computers.  Picture, for example, groups of people sitting in circles at poker tables. These people are like the computers. Computers send information and messages through the token by attaching information to it and passing it around to other networked computers.

Token rings follow a special set of standards set forth by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) called IEEE 802.5.

Who uses token rings?

Token ring technology was developed by IBM, who used it almost exclusively. Outside of IBM, companies generally preferred to use Ethernet technology. With Ethernet, a network of computers are linked via Ethernet cables. Instead of using a token, Ethernet uses a Network Interface Card (NIC) to share information.

What are the benefits of token rings?

Token rings can be advantageous in a number of ways.  For example, they experience fewer collisions of data. Even if one of the computers experiences a glitch, token rings make it so the flow of traffic isn’t stopped.

Are token rings still used today?

Emerging technology and the popularity of Ethernet as a LAN utility have made token rings practically obsolete, which has in turn made them expensive to set up and maintain.  Active token rings are rare.

Filed Under: LAN, Token Ring Tagged With: , ,

Token Ring | IEEE 802.5 Specifications

Seeing the words “token ring” may make someone wonder if that is some sort of prize that is won after redeeming tokens at an arcade. Actually, Token Ring is a computer function which IBM originally developed in the 1970s. The IEEE 802.5 is a specification applied to a program which has only slight differences from the IBM Token Ring. Because the two are so similar, the term “token ring” has become a general term for both operations.

IBM still uses Token Ring as its primary LAN technology. However, IEEE 802.5 and IBM both have basic compatibility with one another, even with the minor differences in the two programs. Token Ring technology works to link Multi-Station Access Units or MSAUs with each other. When linked together using Token Ring technology, the MSAUs use tokens, which serve to start and carry on the linking process in order to assure that all MSAUs have access to a company’s network. That is a simple explanation, and is not intended to be considered a complete description of how a Token Ring works.

No matter how it actually works, a Token Ring, as well as an IEEE 802.5, allows companies that offer specific products or services, such as pet insurance, to supply network connections and access among employees and others who need to utilize the company’s computer system. Both the Token Ring and IEEE 802.5 formats are responsible for maintaining the link between the network and MSAUs that are connected to it.

Using Token Ring or IEEE 802.5 (remember, the two are basically compatible) allows for faster, yet more secure communication and interlinking between people who use the same network for computer functions. Data can be transmitted between stations in an orderly manner that allows for continuous information flow. Employees are able to work in a more efficient manner, which can mean increased business for the company.

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How the Token Ring Affects the Ability to Download Software

Sometimes in the world of technology there is a lot of terminology floating about. There is something to be said about the amount of information out there and if you are someone who doesn’t have intimate knowledge of the processes, then you might feel like you don’t understand anything. Sure you seem to understand how to download software but do you understand something called a token ring? It’s not a term that you hear all the time. It’s a term that is thrown around in tech circles, but it does have import

JONKOPING, SWEDEN - NOVEMBER 26: *** *** 10...
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ance in your day to day life and it’s time you got familiar with it.

Token ring is a local area network that lives inside something called the data link layer. It uses a three byte frame called a token that travels around the ring. The ring frame travels completely around the loop. Now what does this mean to you? This has everything to do with how fast the information that is brought into a phone system or a computer travels to the places it needs to go. When the token ring was first available in 1985 it didn’t move very fast, at just 4 megabits per second. But in 1989, it was moved up to 16 megabits and the 802.5 standard came about to support this.

The token ring, however, stopped being fashionable once the Ethernet was invented. The Ethernet was much faster and many businesses who put speed of information at a premium began to move toward this new and improved technology. The token ring did make a comeback as the Ethernet allowed prices of the token ring to fall so low that it became a cost cutting measure for companies to choose it instead. The days are numbered for the token ring now, but it was once an important piece of technology.

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