Characteristics of ring topology

A network is a number of computers linked together to allow the sharing of resources. A server usually provides services like file storage and email.

Introduction to Ring Topology

Ring topology also called as the Ring Network, is a network topology method, in which two other nodes, forward and backward, are linked for each node exactly so as to form a single continuous path for signal communication. Basically, ring topology is divided into the two types which are Bidirectional and Unidirectional. Most Ring Topologies allow packets to only move in one direction, known as a one-way unidirectional ring network. Others allow data to go, either way, called bidirectional.

Given below are the 7 topologies in the network:

How Ring Topology is Formed?

In-Ring topology, each device is connected with two devices and multiples of such formations are joined together to make a circular path and this network is called a ring network. In-ring topology data is passed from one device to the next device and so on until the data reaches the destination. Data is transmitted by the sending node to the destination node through tokens and hence this topology is also known as Token Ring Topology. This topology mandates all the nodes to remain active for transmission to remain active and hence it is also called Active Topology.

If the number of nodes is large, the tokens will have to hop several nodes before reaching its destination and hence there could be data loss. To prevent this data loss repeaters are installed intermittently to boost signal strength.

Unidirectional Ring: In a unidirectional ring network, the data flows in only one direction either clockwise or anti-clockwise and such a network is called a half-duplex network. In general, most of the ring network allows this kind of data flow only.

Bidirectional Ring: Unidirectional ring network can be converted into a bidirectional network by having two connections between two network nodes. It is also called a dual-ring network in which two rings are created to send data in the opposite direction. Dual rings provide alternate paths to reach any node in case of failure in any of the intermediate nodes while sending data in one direction.

How Does Ring Topology work?

The following steps are followed to transmit data between nodes in a ring network.

• Over the ring, empty tokens are freely circulated. The speed of the ring is 16Mbps and it goes up to 100Mbps and still faster ring is under development.
• The empty token has placeholders for storing data frames to be transmitted and holding sender/receiver addresses.
• If a sending node needs to transmit a message, it grabs a token and packs it with the data, receiving node’s MAC address and its own ID in the corresponding spaces in the token.
• The filled token is sent to the next node in the ring.
• The next node receives the token and examines whether the data transmitted is meant for if it is so, the data is copied from the frame to the node and the token is set to zero and passed to the next node otherwise the token is passed to the next node as it is.
• The prior step is repeated until the data reaches the right destination.
• When the token reaches the sender if it finds the receiver has read the data it will initialize the message.
• The token is recirculated and ready to be consumed by any of the nodes.
• If a node is inactive in the ring path and the communication is broken, if the network supports dual ring the data is sent in the reverse direction to the destination.

Why we use it?

Selection of the network topology depends on:

• Organization’s operational model.
• The complexity of the IT landscape.
• Expected End-user performance level.
• Budget allocation.

Selection of Right topology ensures high performance of the network, easy manageability of network operations and increased data efficiency.

Top 5 reasons for choosing Ring topology over other topology.

1. Data flow unidirectional and hence the possibility of data collision is minimal.
2. There is no need for any network control server to manage data transmission.
3. Management of this topology is less complicated and any new nodes can be added seamlessly.
4. Data can be transferred at a faster rate in this type of network.
5. The operation cost of these types of networks is economical.

Where we use Ring Topology?

Let us know the reason where we use ring topology.

• Ring Topology is deployed in a Local area network (LAN) and a Wide area network (MAN) as well.
• SONET (Synchronous optical network) fiber networks in the Telecommunication domain uses Ring topology quite extensively.
• It provides a standard for global telecommunication networks which will replace many older systems and it offers many advantages like:

1. Reliable network
2. Low Capital investment
3. Seamless connectivity with multiple service providers
4. Futuristic in technology

• It also makes use of the bidirectional capability of this dual-ring topology to route traffic in another direction if the connection is lost with a node.
• It is also used in educational institutions due to its lower cost of operation and few commercial establishments also use it. Many organizations have a ring network is as a fallback system (backup) for their existing network.

Benefits

Below are some of the advantages given.

• Management of Ring network is easier and any faults can be easily tracked and rectified.
• New nodes can be seamlessly added and nodes can be removed easily.
• The speed of this network is relatively faster than other topologies, especially at a higher load.
• Data flow is in an organized manner between a node to another node
• Economical to operate due to its simple architecture with no servers to control the network operations.
• This network is ideal for applications that need nil or minimal latency.
• Bidirectional data flow considerably reduces the downtime of this network.

Conclusion

With the growth in mainframe computing and the need for latency-free communication, Ring networks are here to stay and it might replace Ethernet in the future. The speed of the ring network is on the increase and it will not be a limiting factor for its growth.

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Ring Topology Advantages and Disadvantages: The concept of topology is derived from the Greek words ‘topos’ and ‘logos,’ where the work ‘topo’ implies ‘place’ and ‘logos’ indicates ‘study.’ In the subject of computer networks, we use topology to explain in what way a network is physically correlated and also explain the logical stream of information in the network. A topology principally describes how network devices are interlinked and their interaction with each other using various communication links.

Students can also find more Advantages and Disadvantages articles on events, persons, sports, technology, and many more.

Computer networks are constructed based on two types of network topologies as defined below, explicitly:

1. Physical Topology: A physical topology explains how the computers or the network nodes connect in a computer network. It organizes various elements such as links, nodes, and other devices, including the location and code installation of a computer network. In simple words, it is the physical arrangement of workstations, nodes, and cables in the network.
2. Logical Topology: A logical topology represents the flow of data from one computer to another computer. It is connected to a network protocol and describes how the system moves data throughout the network and the path it takes. In simple words, it is how the devices communicate internally. Network topology describes the organization or structure of the computer network physically and logically. A network can be comprised of one or more physical topologies and multiple logical topologies simultaneously.

What is Meant by Ring Topology?

Each host machine connects to two other devices in a ring topology that creates a circular network model. When one host tries to communicate or send a message to a non-adjacent host, the data moves through all intermediate hosts and finally reaches the desired host.

The administrator might need only one extra cable to connect with one more host in the existing node structure.

The failure of any host results in the loss of the whole ring topology. Thus, every connection in the ring topology is a point of failure. Due to this reason, some methods apply one more backup ring.

In this article, the advantages and disadvantages along with the features and some frequently asked questions about ring topology are discussed in detail.

Significant Features Of The Ring Topology

• It is incredibly reliable for long-distance communication as each node in the network acts as a repeater. Therefore, the signal does not lose its strength.
• The built-in acknowledgment device is available in a ring topology is released only when the network completes communication.
• The use of tokens prohibits the chance of cross-communication or collisions because only one device has charge of the network, and two devices are allowed to communicate concurrently.
• Ring Topology can be used to enhance the fidelity of communication links moreover. If one link breaks, then the other is prepared for communication.

This article contains a detailed description of the following:

Advantages of Ring Topology

1. Execution: By executing you can achieve a ring topology network with less effort. Devices can be arranged one after the other without a specific number. There are no limitations to the number of devices that you can place. Whenever you add fresh devices, you only need to move the adjoining device.
2. Administration: High-speed data transfer rates are another classic feature of a ring network topology. The data transmission that occurs between each workstation generally is quite fast here. Even under the condition of heavy load, interruptions will not impact its performance.
3. Adaptability: The construction of ring topology makes the adaptability of devices straightforward. Users can keep adding workstations, and it will still not cause any performance delays or problems in the network.
4. Fidelity: Even though ring topology requires hardiness, it can still be quite reliable for use to some extent. Mainly by using a set of multiple rings. The bidirectional characteristic of the ring topology guarantees that there are very few failures. The data moves in two directions in a ring topology, and therefore, for the same node, various paths are used.
5. Direction of the Data: The ring topology’s one-direction data flow ensures scarce chances of data collisions. Hence, the data transfer process is more fluid here.
6. Server Specifications: Since all workstations are connected circularly, there is no need for network servers. Therefore, each workstation on the ring topology has its unique connectivity. The only element necessary here is the use of special cables to connect each device on the topology structure.
7. Troubleshooting Feature: Unless one-directional, troubleshooting and error in a ring topology are relatively straightforward.

In the case of any failure, all the workstations placed after the malfunctioning computer will quit working. Hence, users can spend less time classifying the place of network failure.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

1. Expense: Ordinarily, a ring topology architecture needs expensive hardware components for establishing the network. Without the proper cables and network cards, you cannot link the workstations, making the installation process pretty high. Hence, for users with a fixed budget, it is desirable to try some other options.
2. Activity Rate: Even though ring topologies maintain a high-speed data transfer rate, it is still more leisurely than a star topology. When the data transfers from one device to another, it passes through every workstation, which causes a lag in the time while the data reach its destination. Therefore, the whole network activity rate is slowed.
3. Protection: In the system of ring topology, data passes through each workstation attached. Every workstation connected can access information of the other station, which creates some privacy issues considering unauthorized individuals who can easily interrupt sensitive information of users.
4. Hardiness: The path taken by most of the ring topology network users is one-directional, which basically means that each device is interdependent. In the case of a single workstation breakdown, the entire network will collapse.
5. Device Attachment: When a new node is attached or disconnected from the existing ring topology, it causes disturbances in the network activity. Every workstation on a ring topology is interlinked, which means that users need to bear the trouble of breaks or breakdowns during network changes.
6. Cable Breakdown: The entire network in a ring topology depends heavily on a single cable. Several network nodes are placed circularly on this cable. By accident, if the connector experiences any failure, the signals will face a blockage and stop traveling.
7. Bandwidth Deficiencies: Ring topology is minimal when it comes to bandwidth. If there are multiple devices connected, that could create bandwidth deficiencies.

As a result, the users may experience communication impediments, which is why it is advisable to make sure that there are few nodes connected in a ring topology.

A Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology

Advantages	Disadvantages
Fast Execution	Quite Expensive
Better Administration	Slow Activity Rate
Straightforward Adaptability	Unprotected use
Fidelity of network	Need for Hardiness
One-directional flow of data	Poor device Attachment
Unique Connectivity	Cable Breakdowns
Good Troubleshooting feature	Bandwidth Deficiencies

FAQ’s Pros and Cons of Ring Topology

Question 1.
Where can I use Ring Topology?

Answer:
In WAN and MAN, a ring topology is used as the backbone to connect the customers. The Ring is bidirectional and has two distinct routes to the public switch.

Question 2.
What happens if a Ring topology fails?

Answer:
A single node failure or cable breakdown can separate every node attached to the Ring. Therefore, very thoroughly arranged networks where every device can access the token and the opportunity to transmit data may break down if one node stops working.

Question 3.
What is a good example of ring topology?

Answer:
Token Ring is a good example of ring topology.