Description

This article is from the Token Ring FAQ, by James Messer James@NetworkUptime.com with numerous contributions by others.

4.5] Can two token ring stations be directly attached?

Unlike Ethernet stations, token ring stations _cannot_ be directly
attached with a cross-over cable. Because of the process required
for inserting into a ring, a loopback process must complete and
phantom voltage must exist on a wire for a relay to open. A MAU must
be used to directly connect two workstations.

However, some token ring switches allow a station to directly
connect to a _switch_. This Direct Token Ring (DTR) connection is a
non-standard method of connecting a switch and a workstation onto a
single ring. This non-standard DTR connectivity does _not_ allow for
two workstations to be directly connected.

Continue to:

• prev: 4.4] What is the difference between a MAU, a CAU, and a LAM? (Token Ring Physical Layer)
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• next: 4.6] What is the maximum distance between a MAU and a token ring station, or between two token ring stations?