What is Ring Topology? Diagram, Uses, and Examples of Ring Topology!

The Ring topology is a network system where all devices are linked into a ring structure and send data to each other depend on their ring node’s neighboring node. Now, we are going to explore all things about what is ring topology and its diagram, uses; involving with many examples of ring topology in networking with ease.

What is Ring Topology?

Definition: Ring topology is also called of the “Ring Network“.  In this Computer Network topology, all terminals are linked each other with ring form, and all data is traveled from one by one terminal until they chase their destination point. In this topology, all packets of data is transferred in two types like as unidirectional and bidirectional.

ring topology

Diagram of Ring Topology 

Mostly, ring topology is used in two types of networks such as LANs (local area networks) or WANs (wide area networks). Coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network wire is used to attach multiple computers to each other.

Ring Topology Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Ring Topology?
  2. Diagram of Ring Topology
  3. Types of Ring Topology
  4. Working of Ring Topology
  5. Examples of Ring Topology
  6. Use of Ring Topology
  7. Advantages of Ring Topology
  8. Disadvantages of Ring Topology
  9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • What is ring topology with diagram?
  • What is the simple definition of ring topology in networking?
  • What is a ring topology used for?
  • What is the most common use of ring topology?
  • Where ring topology is used in real life?
  • What is the speed of ring topology?
  • What are the examples of ring topology in network?

Let’s Get Started!!

Types of Ring Topology based on Data Flow

On the base of data flow, ring topology is divided into three types such as – 

Unidirectional Ring Topology

In this topology,  to connect entire Computer Network through one cable. Flow of data only in one side, it means all data flows either in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Direction of Flow of data is also pre-configured to be Simplex.

Bidirectional Ring Topology

Bidirectional Ring Topology is also known as “Dual Ring Topology“. This type of topology is more trustable and reliable, but it is expensive to design. In which, all com. Data is based on the Full-Duplex transmission principle, it means all data can be traveled both side at concurrently.

Collapsed Ring Topology

Collapsed Ring Topology is designed for special functionality, and in which all computer nodes are connected through single cable. All end terminal nodes are directly linked to each other for redundancy

Working of Ring Topology based on Token Passing

Entire working of ring topology is depended on the token passing method. Token is simply group of information which is forward along with data that is sent by the source node.

This data packet is also known as “Permission Packet“, and it provides the permission to specific computer node for dropping information on the network.

A token is circulating in sequence over the whole computer network, and if any node contains piece of information for passing over the network then it release this information. If node does not contains any data for releasing over computer network, then that node push token to further computer node.

Only one token is allowed with nodes for sending data over the network, and another node is getting wait for empty token.

Examples of Ring Topology

There are two examples that are used in real life such as:

Use of Ring Topology

There are two different uses, where you can use of ring topology in your daily life, below shown both:

SONET Ring Network

SONET stands for “Synchronous Optical Networking“.  In which,  to use Fiber Optic Cables for travelling massive data load to load distance area. So we can say of SONET is “Fiber Optic Cable Ring Topology”. Due to more reliable and trustable, Multi-national companies use the SONET network for getting synchronic in several remote branches.

Token Ring Network

Token ring is a type of wired local area network, and in which all computer nodes are connected with ring form. All data travel one by one between entire nodes over the computer network until it gets back from source node, and it also provides the security from data congestion and collision.

Token ring network was standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as IEEE 802.5.

Advantages of Ring Topology

There are several benefits of ring network topology, such as 

  • In which, all data is transferred in the circular form then less probability of packet collision.
  • Uni-directional ring topology offers the ultra speed of data flowing.
  • Its performance does not get degrade, while adding extra nodes in the ring topology.
  • It has more capacity to bear massive traffic then bus topology because it uses the Token passing principal.
  • It offers the excellent communication over a long distance.
  • No required any centralized server to handle of travelling data over the network.
  • It is cheaper to other using topologies such as mesh, hybrid, and tree topology.
  • Every node is granted similar access authority to it’s attached all resources.
  • Peer-to-peer configuration offers best sharing of their all linked resources.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

Here, we will discuss few limitations of ring network topology, such as – 

  • All data travel on the network via every computer over the network, so its speed slower to star topology.
  • If any one computer gets down, then whole network will be affected.
  • Network activity can be created, while connecting and disconnecting to any node over the network.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is ring topology with diagram?

In ring topology, all devices are linked to two other devices into circular ring form on either side through coaxial cable or RJ-45 cable. Above this post, we already have shown its diagram with neat and clean.

What is the simple definition of ring topology in networking?

A ring topology is a network topology where all devices make connection as a circular ring shape.

What is a ring topology used for?

In the ring topology, all devices (printer, server, fax, etc.) is attached to two other devices into ring circular shape for signals to flow around. Each data packet over the network flows in one direction and every device obtains each packet in turn until the target node gets it.

What is the most common use of ring topology?

The ring topology is usually used in offices, campus, and small size buildings.

Where ring topology is used in real life?

The ring typologies are mostly used in such area whereas you have to need a simple network topology over the computer network. They are most convince for location that don’t get trust on higher data transfer speed, for instance school, collage, and small size office.

What is the speed of ring topology?

Its speed is 16Mbps and it goes up to 100Mbps and still faster ring is under development.

What are the examples of ring topology in network?

A ring topology has two most common examples are SONET Ring Network and Token Ring Network; and both are explained above in this post, read it.

Summing up

Now, i hope that you have completely educated about what is ring topology and its diagram, uses; involving with many examples of ring topology in networking with ease. If this post is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: What is Tree Topology: Examples, Types, Uses, and Applications!!

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!

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