Abstract: A token ring local area network integrates voice, data and image information over a single cable with voice packets having a higher priority than non-voice packets, and with all the voice packets having the same length and the maximum non-voice packet length being related to the voice packet length and to the maximum number of terminals in the network so as to ensure real-time voice reception. Call processing functions are fully distributed among the voice terminals without the use of a centralized processing unit or a centralized data base. Conference calls are effected by each party transmitting conference packets to a single destination party, with conference packets having a unique packet format wherein a single packet incorporates voice information from plural terminals so as to minimize the number of packets traversing the ring.