Abstract: A method and an apparatus for locating a fault within a token ring network are described. The apparatus comprises a number of detectors, each of which is positioned at a location between a pair of neighboring network stations. Each detector maintains an indication of whether beaconing data is detected at the monitored location. After a period of time, a fault identifier, in the form of a Network Management Module (NMM), can identify the location of a network fault by locating successive indications, maintained by successive detectors, which differ from each other.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for isolating a communication fault within a token ring network are described. The token ring network includes a number of stations, each of which is configured to generate or repeat beaconing data indicating a network communication fault. The method requires firstly isolating each station of the token ring network in a closed-loop station ring. A location in each of these isolated station rings is then monitored for the transmission of beaconing data indicating a communication fault within the respective station ring. If the transmission of such beaconing data is not detected, the station is reconnected to the token ring network. On the other hand, should the transmission of such beaconing data be detected, the station is maintained within the closed-loop station ring. In this way, faulty stations are isolated from the token ring network.