What is Ring Topology in Network? Diagram | Advantages

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.

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.

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 travelled 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.

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 is capable to manage large number of nodes over the computer network.

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.

Easier maintenance and troubleshooting then to bus topology

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.

Required more network hardware component (MAU’s and network cards) for linking every workstation with the network, so it can be more expensive to bus topology.

Network activity can be created, while connecting and disconnecting to any node over the network.

Examples and Use of Ring Topology

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

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.