What type of network does ARCNET refer to?

ARCNET, which stands for Attached Resource Computer Networks, is associated with a legacy local area network (LAN) technology that utilizes a token-passing protocol. In this setup, devices on the network must possess a token to send data, ensuring that only one device transmits at any given time. This token mechanism helps to prevent collisions and maintain the orderly communication of devices on the network.

The age and methodology of ARCNET make it a classic example of early networking technologies, predating more sophisticated systems that emerged later. While modern networks may involve wireless communication or high-speed capabilities using fiber optics, ARCNET distinctly belongs to an earlier era of network technology, marked by its token-based access method, which is characteristic of many legacy systems.