Access Control Method

This is the main distinguishing feature between different LAN (Local Area Network) technologies. It regulates each workstation’s physical access to the cable (transmission medium), and determines the order in which nodes gain access so that each user gets efficient service. Access methods include token passing, which is used in Token Ring and FDDI (Fibre Distributed Data Interface), and CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection), which is employed by Ethernet and Fast Ethernet systems.