Ring Topology: Working, Characteristics & Uses

Ring topology is a typе of nеtwork topology in which еach nеtwork dеvicе is connected to еxactly two othеr dеvicеs, forming a circular or closеd-loop configuration.

• In a ring nеtwork, data travеls in a unidirеctional mannеr, passing from onе dеvicе to thе nеxt until it reaches its intеndеd dеstination. 
• In Computer system, the functionality of any network largely depends on its topology.
• There are several different types of Topologies available, where each one has its own structural framework, uses, advantages and disadvantages. 
• To achieve maximum output and ensure an upmark overall efficiency of the system, one must select the most suitable Topology as per the requirements. 

Key Terms: Networks, Computers Nodes, Routers, Ring Topology, Star Topology, Bus Topology, Data Transmission, Active Topology, LANs, WANs, Tokens

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What is Ring Topology?

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Ring Topology is a type of network configuration where every device is connected to two additional devices from both the sides with the help of a twisted pair Cable or optical fibre cable.

• Each connected device in the network is arranged as points (also called nodes) on a circle. 
• The whole setup forms a ring-like structure with devices connected at different points of the 'ring'. 
• Hence, this type of network is known as Ring Topology. 

Ring Topology

The network so formed has a circular data path. The data, packed as bundles, travels from one device to another consecutively until it reaches its destination. 

• The data can travel either in only one direction of the 'ring' (unidirectional) or in both the directions of the 'ring' (bidirectional).
• As it was more popular in the earlier days, Ring Topology was usually seen in Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs). 
• Nowadays other types of networks with better features have replaced Ring Topology.
• The type of cable used in connecting devices on Ring Topology depends greatly upon the data transfer speed required, distance between the nodes, etc.

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Characteristic Features of Ring Topology

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Some essential features of Ring Topology:-

• The data transmission can be either unidirectional or bidirectional. 
• In this network an inbuilt acknowledgement system is released as soon as the communication is completed. 
• It helps in long distance transmission of data without any drop in the signal strength, as each device in between produces a new signal to transmit the data.
• In Ring Topology, if one computer is down, then the entire network would be down.
• The total number of computers connected in the network influences the performance of the system. 
• The greater the number of computers connected in the 'ring', the slower the network becomes.
• One computer transmits data at one time due to a token. Thus, the data is transmitted sequentially bit by bit.

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Method of Working of Ring Topology 

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The Ring Topology, the data is transmitted through the devices in the network until it reaches its destination. 

• The data from the initiating node (device) to the destination node (device) is transmitted by using tokens. 
• Thus, Ring Topology is also known as Token Topology. 
• Rings Topology requires all the Intermediate nodes to stay active or else no transmission would take place. 
• So, it is also named as Active Topology. 

Step wise data transmission in Ring Topology from the starting node to the destination are explained below:

• The empty tokens are made to circulate through the cable and the nodes at a speed in the range of 16 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
• These tokens have placeholders that serve to hold the data framework as well as the address of the sender/ receiver.
• Whenever a transmission is initiated by the node, the node first captures a token and packs it with the data
• Alongwith the MAC address of the receiver and its own ID in equivalent spaces of the token.The filled tokens are then sent to the next node in the ring.
• If the next node is supposed to pass the data ahead, it will transmit the data as it is until the data reaches the destination node.
• In case, the token is received by the destination node, the data frame is copied by the node rendering the token empty and releases the empty token again in circulation.
• Now, the empty token while circulating in the network reaches the sender. 
• The sender on receiving this empty token becomes aware that the data has been transmitted successfully. 
• It then withdraws the MAC and ID addresses on the token and releases the completely empty token in circulation to be reused again.

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Areas of Utilisation of Ring Topology

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In earlier days, the ring Topology was used in almost all public spaces, schools, offices, homes and smaller buildings. Nowadays, ring Topology is not in direct use as it has been replaced with better network Topologies. 

However, Ring Topology is still in use as a component of a larger network system:-

1. Ring Topology is used in Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
2. Also used in telecommunications networks and in SONET Fibres. 
3. Sometimes used as a backup network system to retrieve data in case the main network (which is being used) fails or breaks.
4. It is of much use to several Educational Institutions. 

Also Read:

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Advantages of Ring Topology 

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Here's a list of significant advantages of Ring Topology:

• As the data is transmitted in packets in one direction at a time, there is less packet collision. Hence, less energy is lost.
• No need for a network server to maintain network connectivity.
• Ring Topology is easily expandable and new connections can be added to the Ring.
• The addition of new devices does not influence the performance of the network.
• Single points of failure can be easily traced.
• Provides high data transfer speed.
• It is an affordable and cheap solution.

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Disadvantages of Ring Topology 

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The disadvantages of Ring Topology are mentioned below:

• In Ring Topology if one node breaks down, then the entire system fails.
• Adding or removing a node from the Ring can be difficult. 
• These are susceptible to storms. 
• Unidirectional Ring Topology can have lower speed than the birectional ones.
• It cannot be used for large networks.

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Difference between Ring Topology, Bus Topology and Star Topology

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The differences between Ring, Bus and Star Topologies are tabulated below:

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Things to Remember

• Ring topology is the configuration of a network in which the devices are connected in a circular manner. 
• Each device in the Ring Topology is known as Node and each node is connected to two other nodes each on its right and left sides.
• The data transmission in Ring Topology is high and happens in the form of packets of data.
• Ring Topology can be suitably used for smaller networks, WANs and LANs, telecommunications, SONET Fibres and Back-up networks.
• In Bidirectional Ring Topology, when a link breaks, there is no communication between two nodes
• Then the data transmission is reversed to reach the destination. 
• If the number of nodes in Ring Topology is considerably large, then the tokens need to skip several nodes to improve speed
• In such a case repeaters can be installed at different points. The repeaters help in regaining the signal strength.