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Ring topology

We have already discussed about the introduction to topologies, star topology, bus topology and mesh or fully connected topology. This is the last of a series of blog posts on network topologies. In this blog post we will discuss about the ring topology, its pros and cons and the typical usage of its architecture. 

Ring topology - 

In ring topology all the nodes are connected to make a closed loop as shown in the diagram below : 

Ring Topology


However, data can travel in a ring network only in one direction with the help of a token. A token contains some information and along with this information data is sent throughout the network. 

In this blog post:
  1. Advantages of Ring Topology
  2. Disadvantages of Ring Topology
  3. Usages


For example, suppose A wants to send data to C and let us assume that the token is moving along the loop counter clockwise. Then first E receives the token and since the addresses do not match E passes further. Then D receives it and similarly passes as addresses do not match. Then C receives it and since addresses match C takes the token and gets information stored in it.

Ring Topology - Tokens


Similarly, if a device wants to send data, then it must wait until it receives the token and then transmit the data onto it along with the destination and send in a similar process as stated in the above diagram.

More topologies to discover:
  1. Bus Topology
  2. Mesh or Fully Connected topology
  3. Star topology


Advantages of ring topology - 

1. Less or no collisions - 

 Since there is only one token and no two stations can transmit at the same time, collisions could extremely rarely occur (unless there is a malfunction in the system). Therefore, compared to bus topology, ring topology is an efficient approach.

2. Equal access to resources - 

As with star topology, neither station is benefited over another. All devices share the same resources. Therefore, performance wise, the system is balanced.

3. Economical - 

There is no need of hardware like switches or hubs as in star topology. Also, the distance between any two nodes is limited or could be limited as opposed to bus topology. Therefore, ring topology is a very economical approach compared to other topologies.


Disadvantages of ring topology - 

1. If one of the links fail, then the whole system might shut down.

This in turn is obvious from the token passing mechanism stated above. If a link is broken, the tokens can no longer be delivered and the whole system might shut down.

Also if one of the computers shuts down, the whole network might shut down as the token is passes from computer to computer until reaching the destination.

2. Slow - 

As compared to star topology, ring topologies are slower as the token has to be passed through all computers before reaching the destination. Also, some computers who need to send data to others may have to wait for prolonged periods until the token becomes available to them. Therefore, the efficiency of this mechanism is low compared to other topologies.

Usage - 

Ring topologies could be used in computer labs to connect a small amount of computers. But the usage of ring technology is diminishing over time.

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