Learn About Computer: What is Ring Network Topology?

Previously, while studying bus, star and tree topology, you must be noticing that these three topologies are somehow similar in their working principles. However one of the types of network topologies we going to discuss right now has a totally different criteria for connecting computers in order to share data and other information. The network topology named as "ring topology" connects all the computers in the form of a ring i.e. each computer in a ring topology is connected to the next computer with the last computer connected to the first. Thus all network nodes are connected forming a ring so that they can communicate.

Working of Ring Topology

As described earlier, ring topology connects all computers in a network making a ring of them. According to this network arrangement, each computer is connected to two other computers directly. However it's not possible for a sending computer to send the data to both directly connected computers simultaneously as the data in such type of network topology can flow in one direction only. In a ring network topology, the sending computer sends data to the next connected computer i.e. we can say that each computer receives message from the previous connected computer and delivers message to the next connected computer. In this way the message is passed around the ring of connected computers until it reaches the correct destination computer.

Advantages of Ring Network Topology

Let’s discuss some of the advantages of such type of network topology.

Less costly network topology

Unlike star topology, ring topology is not very expensive kind of network topology. Star topology consists of a central hub which could be a costly gadget however; ring topology does not require such an expensive device for connecting computers in a network.

Equivalent network access

According to this network layout, each computer has an equivalent hold over the network, i.e. each connecting computer has equal access to the network. The computers in ring network topology can transmit and receive the messages from one computer to the next.

Disadvantages of ring topology

The network arrangement connecting computers in the form of a ring might not prove very advantageous and favorable for the network users. Few disadvantages of ring topology are as under.

Frequent Failure of network

All the computers connected in the form of a ring are connected to each other. The message has to be transmitted over the network by passing through each computer. Thus the failure of even a single computer in a ring topology can break down the entire network. Hence it’s quite difficult to troubleshoot a ring network topology.

Less flexible computer network

As every computer in ring network topology is associated to the next computer, thus its quite complicated task to add or remove computers in the network with ring topology.

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