IBM 16F1144 MCA Token Ring 16/4MB Long Network Adapter Card

IBM 16F1144 MCA Token Ring 16/4MB Long Network Adapter Card

The IBM 16F1144 is a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) Token Ring network adapter card designed for IBM PS/2 systems and compatible platforms. This is a 16/4MB Token Ring adapter, meaning it supports dual-speed operation at both 16 Mbps and 4 Mbps Token Ring network speeds, allowing compatibility across different Token Ring network generations. The card connects to Token Ring network infrastructure via a standard Token Ring DIN connector.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: IBM 16F1144
• Type: MCA Token Ring Network Adapter
• Bus Interface: MCA (Micro Channel Architecture)
• Data Rates Supported: 4 Mbps and 16 Mbps Token Ring
• Memory: 16/4MB
• Network Connector: Token Ring DIN connector
• Form Factor: Adapter card (fits MCA slot)
• Manufacturer: IBM
• Country of Origin: USA

Applications

The IBM 16F1144 was designed for legacy IBM PS/2 systems, particularly models 50, 60, 70, 80, and compatible MCA-based computers. Token Ring was a local-area network (LAN) standard developed by IBM in the 1980s and widely deployed in enterprise environments throughout the 1990s. This adapter enabled PS/2 workstations and servers to connect to Token Ring networks—an alternative to Ethernet that offered deterministic access control and better performance in certain environments. Token Ring networks were common in IBM-centric corporate deployments, particularly in financial institutions and large enterprises. While Token Ring has largely been superseded by Ethernet, legacy systems and networks remain in active use in specialized environments, preservation projects, and organizations maintaining support for older infrastructure. This card is useful for restoring, repairing, or expanding vintage IBM PS/2 systems and Token Ring networks.