An 8 Mbps token ring uses a token holding timer of 10 ms. Ignoring header bits, what is the maximum frame size that a station can transmit during one token hold?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 10,000 B frame

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In token ring networks, a station may transmit only while it holds the token, bounded by a token holding timer. The maximum frame length is limited by link rate and token hold time.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Bit rate = 8 Mbps (8 x 10^6 bits per second).
  • Token holding time = 10 ms (0.01 s).
  • Header/overhead negligible for this calculation.


Concept / Approach:
Maximum bits sendable = data_rate * time_window. Convert bits to bytes by dividing by 8 to get frame size in bytes.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Compute bits in 10 ms: bits = 8 x 10^6 * 0.01 = 80,000 bits.2) Convert to bytes: 80,000 / 8 = 10,000 bytes.3) Therefore, the longest frame size is 10,000 B (ignoring headers).


Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check units: Mbps is bits/s; multiplying by seconds yields bits; dividing by 8 yields bytes. No other constraints given, so 10,000 B stands.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
8000 B: Corresponds to 64,000 bits, which would require only 8 ms at 8 Mbps; underestimates the maximum.


80,000 B: Equals 640,000 bits, exceeding what can be sent in 10 ms at 8 Mbps.


8 x 10^5 bit frame: 800,000 bits; also too large.


1000 B: Only 8,000 bits; far below the limit.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing Mbps (bits) with MBps (bytes) and forgetting to divide by 8; mixing milliseconds and seconds.



Final Answer:
10,000 B frame

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