What access method is specified in the 802.5 standard?

The correct answer is token passing, which is the access method specified in the 802.5 standard. This standard defines a network protocol used primarily for token ring networks, where tokens are used to manage access to the network. In this method, a special data packet known as a token circulates around the network, and only the device that holds the token can transmit data. This ensures that only one device accesses the network at a time, preventing collisions and providing a deterministic approach to data transmission.

Token passing is particularly effective in environments where predictable data transmission is critical, as it eliminates the possibility of data collisions that can occur in other access methods. The efficiency of this method in preventing conflicts makes it suitable for certain types of network applications.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) is associated with Ethernet standards and indicates a different mechanism for handling data transmission, where devices listen to the network before transmitting. While token ring networks, which use token passing, and Ethernet networks often coexist in various environments, the fundamental operational principles are distinct.

Ethernet represents a broader category of networking technologies that include multiple access and collision handling but is not tied to the token passing method outlined in the 802.5 standard.

Therefore, the focus on token passing in the context of