ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses simulation of token-passing local area networks (LANs). Both ring and bus topologies are discussed. Token-passing is a technique in which the transmission medium is shared without conflict among LAN users. The chapter briefly describes the operation of token-passing ring and bus LANs, and deals with the structure of the simulation model. Token-holding time also depends upon when a station decides to regenerate a free token. There are three types of operation defined in this regard: multiple-token operation, single-token operation, and singlepacket operation. Generation of random numbers according to a desired probability distribution is a necessity for any self-driven simulation. The chapter describes the simulation program step-by-step and explains how various aspects of token-passing LANs are simulated. The arrival rate per station is automatically incremented within the program. The program is then compiled and executed by giving an appropriate command for the computer being used.
