Method and system for implementing sub-tokens on a token ring network

摘要

A method and system for increasing performance on a standard dual ring token ring by generating one or more sub-tokens so that multiple data transmissions can occur concurrently. Upon receipt of a data frame from the token holder, interface logic enables a receiver to generate a sub-token frame. The sub-token is used to notify the next downstream station that it may transmit data frames to other downstream stations. In this way, a second data transmission path can be established between downstream stations. In a similar manner, the receiver of a data frame sent by a sub-token owner will generate a sub-token frame for use by the next downstream station when its data arrives. Each sub-token is used to create a new sub-ring, thus allowing for concurrent data transmissions. Each new sub-ring must obey token ring protocol to avoid data collisions.