What Is Token? - Webopedia

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  • What is a Token?
Home / Definitions / Token Networking 1 min read Token Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram Share on Email Last Updated February 14, 2022 3:50 pm Vangie Beal Written by Vangie Beal

token-ring network

What is a Token?

(1) In programming languages, a single element of a programming language. For example, a token could be a keyword, an operator, or a punctuation mark.

(2) In networking, a token is a special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network. As the token circulates, computers attached to the network can capture it. The token acts like a ticket, enabling its owner to send a message across the network. There is only one token for each network, so there is no possibility that two computers will attempt to transmit messages at the same time.

(3) In security systems, a small device the size of a credit card that displays a constantly changing ID code. A user first enters a password and then the card displays an ID that can be used to log into a network. Typically, the IDs change every 5 minutes or so.

A similar mechanism for generating IDs is a smart card.

(4) Another word for USB flash drive.

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Vangie Beal is a freelance business and technology writer covering Internet technologies and online business since the late '90s.

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