Množina: tokens

1. A unique structured data object or message that circulates continuously among the nodes of a token ring and describes the current state of the network. Before any node can send a message, it must first wait to control the token. See also token bus network, token passing, token ring network.
2. Any nonreducible textual element in data that is being parsed—for example, the use in a program of a variable name, a reserved word, or an operator. Storing tokens as short codes shortens program files and speeds execution. See also Basic, parse.

Množina: tokens

ETYM Old Eng. token, taken, as. tâcen.
1. A metal or plastic disk that can be used (as a substitute for coins) in slot machines.
2. An individual instance of a type of symbol; SYN. item.

Množina: token buses

The IEEE 802.4 specification for token-passing networks based on a bus or tree topology. Token bus networks were designed primarily for manufacturing but the specification also corresponds to the ARCnet architecture used for LANs.

Množina: token bus networks

A LAN (local area network) formed in a bus topology (stations connected to a single, shared data highway) that uses token passing as a means of regulating traffic on the line. On a token bus network, a token governing the right to transmit is passed from one station to another, and each station holds the token for a brief time, during which it alone can transmit information. The token is transferred in order of priority from an “upstream” station to the next “downstream” station, which might or might not be the next station on the bus. In essence, the token “circles” through the network in a logical ring rather than a physical one. Token bus networks are defined in the IEEE 802.4 standards. See also bus network, IEEE 802 standards, token passing. Compare token ring network.

Množina: token economies

A form of behavior therapy that has been used in some mental institutions; patients are rewarded with tokens for appropriate behavior and the tokens may be cashed in for valued rewards.

Množina: token moneys

Coins of regular issue whose face value is greater than their intrinsic value.

Množina: token passings

A method of controlling network access through the use of a special signal, called a token, that determines which station is allowed to transmit. The token, which is actually a short message or a small packet, is passed from station to station around the network. Only the station with the token can transmit information. See also token bus network, token ring network. Compare collision detection, contention, CSMA/CD.
A protocol that gives a terminal permission to transmit on a Token Ring LAN. A unique bit pattern, called a token, circulates around the ring from terminal to terminal. The terminal that possesses the token has permission to transmit.

Množina: token payments

A small payment made in acknowledgement of an obligation.

Množina: Token Rings

Spelled with lowercase t and r, the IEEE specification 802.5 for token ring networks. See also token ring network.
A LAN standard, also known as IEE 802.5, that connects a ring topology. Token Ring LANs operate at 4 Mb/s or 16 Mb/s.
Protocol for local area networks, developed by IBM.

Množina: Token Ring networks

A token-passing, ring-shaped local area network (LAN) developed by IBM that operates at 4 megabits (4 million bits) per second. With standard telephone wiring, the Token Ring network can connect up to 72 devices; with shielded twisted-pair (STP) wiring, the network supports up to 260 devices. Although it is based on a ring (closed loop) topology, the Token Ring network uses star-shaped clusters of up to eight workstations connected to a wiring concentrator (Multistation Access Unit, or MSAU), which, in turn, is connected to the main ring. The Token Ring network is designed to accommodate microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes; it follows the IEEE 802.5 standards for token ring networks. See the illustration. See also ring network, STP, token passing.

Množina: token strikes

Singular of token strikes is token strike.