How Does the Data Link Layer Handle Contention in Token Ring Networks?

Answer: The data link layer handles contention in token ring networks by method called token passing. The data link layer checks that only one system which is holding the token can send data at a time and after sending the data it releases the token. Since, only one system is sending the data at a time contention does not occurs in the token ring networks. In this way data link layer handles contention in token ring networks.

The data link layer in the token ring network uses the token passing protocol to handle contention. In this protocol the system or station that wants to send the data has to acquire the token first. Once, the token is acquired by the station it can send its data. After the data is sent then, the token is released and can be acquired by the other stations. The data link layer allows only one station to send its data at a particular point of time hence no contention occurs.

Conclusion

In token ring networks the data link layer handles contention using the token passing technique. The system or station that requires data transmission has to first obtain the token and then only it can send the data and once the data is sent it releases the token. The data link layer allows only one station to sends its data at a time hence, no contention in the token ring networks.