Abstract: In a token-based local area network, the token may be selectively redirected out of its normal even rotational sequence among all of the active nodes of the network to pass the token more frequently through a priority group of nodes than through a non-priority group of nodes. The priority group is more likely to have messages to initiate from either a numerical or immediacy standpoint, compared to the non-priority group which is less likely to have messages to initiate. When token redirection is not desired, the token is passed in this normal even rotational sequence. Despite redirection, the token is still passed through all of the active nodes on the network in a periodic manner so as to assure normal network activity. Multiple messages can be initiated from a single node before the token is passed to any other node.

Abstract: Method and means are disclosed for providing and testing a secure identification medium on which is encoded uniqueness information and security information in addition to customer information. The security information is generated from the uniqueness information and the customer information by means of algorithm processing means and is then compared with the security information read from the record medium. The algorithm processing means is also employed in generating the security information in the first instance for encoding said information on said record medium initially. Failure in the comparison of the security information encoded on the record medium with that generated by the algorithm processing means provides an indication that the record medium is not a legitimate one.