Are priorities useful in an 802.5 token ring?

Abstract

The IEEE standard 802.5 token ring protocol defines eight packet priorities. The intent is that high-priority packets should be delivered prior to low-priority packets. A series of simulations shows that this expected behavior occurs when there are very few network stations, very short data packets (but still long relative to ring latency), very short token hold times, and very high network loads. In the general case, priorities did not markedly influence packet delivery time. Use of the priority system generally resulted in more overhead and longer average packet delays than when all packets were carried as a single priority. The features of the protocol operation that are the cause of this increased delay and lack of priority discrimination are described mathematically. >