Final answer:
A significant disadvantage of the Token Ring system in terms of troubleshooting and maintenance is the complexity in adding or removing devices, which can cause network disruptions and increase downtime.
Step-by-step explanation:
One disadvantage of the Token Ring system from the standpoint of troubleshooting and maintenance is its complexity in adding or removing devices. Unlike more modern network topologies such as Ethernet, which allows for easy plug-and-play connectivity, the Token Ring network was designed such that each device in the network was connected in a circular fashion. To add or remove a device, the network had to be opened and reconfigured, which could disrupt the entire network operation. This not only made the process time-consuming but also increased the risk of network downtime and errors.
Moreover, the very architecture of Token Ring, which relies on a token-passing mechanism for communication, means that a problem with one device or the failure of the token to circulate could potentially bring down the whole network. This stands in contrast to more fault-tolerant topologies where individual device issues are less likely to impact the entire network's functionality.
Thus, the primary challenge in maintaining and troubleshooting a Token Ring network lies in its inherent design, which does not lend itself to the rapid scalability and ease of management found in more contemporary network systems.