Skipnet: a two channel token access scheme

Abstract A modified token ring Local Area Network called Skipnet is presented, which uses the ring channel for all normal functions of the standard token ring, and an extra bus channel for control messages. In the model idle stations are bypassed, therefore the relevant delay produced in the standard token ring is minimized. Using simulation models, a standard token ring Medium Access Control protocol is compared with the modified network. The results show significant improvement in delay-throughput characteristics when the offered load is light. As the load increases performance is close to (but still better than) that of the standard token ring network.