Performance evaluation of a token ring network with dual latency stations

Abstract

The authors present a method for performance improvement of token ring networks that is based on the use of stations with two latency states. A station is able to enter a lower latency state whenever its message queue is empty. They present a detailed evaluation and comparison of network performance, based on both analytical and simulation results. The performance of a dual latency token ring is analyzed for the case of limited-to-one service, symmetric traffic, and is compared to the performance of a conventional token ring operating with limited-to-one, gated, or exhaustive service. The authors use discrete-event simulation to model the behavior and performance of a duel latency ring with asymmetric traffic, and compare with the above three service disciplines. Results show a significant reduction in mean waiting time for the dual latency ring, with performance approaching or exceeding that of gated and exhaustive service, for certain ranges of network utilization.<>