One-bit delay in ring networks

In local area networks (LANs) with ring topologies, it is important to have minimum delay at the stations. It is explained why one-bit delay is the minimum possible delay at each station. It is shown that the stations delay depends on the medium access control (MAC) protocol executed in the ring. As an example, a recently published MAC protocol for rings is considered. It is explained why this protocol cannot be implemented with one-bit delay shown how a small modification in the slot format enables the implementation of the protocol with one-bit delay without affecting its properties