Which of the following LAN protocols use token passing for exchanging signals among various stations on the network? Each correct answer represents a complete solution. Choose two.

Question

Options

• AEthernet (IEEE 802.3)
• BToken ring (IEEE 802.5)
• CFiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)
• DWireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b)

• A
  6% (2)
• B
  89% (31)
• D
  6% (2)

Explanation

Token Ring (IEEE 802.5) and FDDI both use a token-passing access method, where a special control frame (the "token") circulates around the network and a station can only transmit data when it holds the token - ensuring orderly, collision-free communication.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) uses CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) - stations compete for the medium and back off on collision; no token is involved.
• Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) uses CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) - a contention-based method adapted for wireless; again, no token.

Memory tip: Think of the word "token" literally - only protocols with "Token" in their name (Token Ring) or those built on a ring/fiber loop topology (FDDI) pass the token. Ethernet and Wi-Fi are contention-based (they fight for the channel), while Token Ring and FDDI are deterministic (they take turns via the token).

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