What is Ring Topology?

Have you ever wondered how devices in a computer network can transmit data or communicate with each other? The answer is network topology. A network topology refers to the arrangement of cables, nodes, and other components that make up the network. One of the most common types of network topology is the ring topology, which connects all devices on a network in a circular structure. 

What is Ring Topology?

The ring topology is a network topology in which devices in a network are connected to each other in a closed ring arrangement.

Each device is therefore directly connected to exactly two other devices, creating a closed communication ring. In this topology, data packets are forwarded from one device to the next until the destination is reached.

The ring topology was used in LANs to enable even load distribution and redundancy. However, it has become less common due to its limitations and disadvantages, as it is prone to failure because the failure of a single device interrupts the entire ring.

How does it work?

Below are some steps that help you to understand how data is transmitted between nodes in a ring network.

• Empty tokens are freely distributed over the ring. The speed of the ring goes from 16 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
• To store data frames and transmit, the empty token contains placeholders and also holds sender or receiver addresses.
• When a sending node has to send a message, it acquires a token and fills it with data, obtaining the receiving node’s MAC address and its own ID in the token. In the ring, a filled token is sent to the next node.
• The token is received by the next node and determines if it is meant for transmission. Then, the data is copied into the node from the frame set the token to zero, and transferred to the next node.
• Until the data reaches the right destination, the above step is repeated.
• When the sender receives the token, it will initialize the message if it finds the receiver has read the data.
• It is beneficial in transmitting data; the token is to be consumed and recirculated by any of the nodes.
• If contact is lost, a node is idle, and the network supports a dual ring, data is delivered in the opposite direction to the destination.

Advantages of Ring Topology

• One major advantage is that it is very difficult for an outsider to tap into or interfere with a network using this type of configuration.
• Additionally, if one node on the network goes down, the rest of the nodes can continue to communicate with each other without issue. This can be a big advantage in mission-critical situations where uptime is key.
• Finally, ring topologies tend to be very easy to expand and add new nodes to as needed.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

• First, if one node fails, the entire network fails.
• Second, adding or removing a node from the network can be difficult.
• Third, ring topologies are not well-suited for large networks.
• Finally, they are susceptible to broadcast storms.

What are the applications of Ring Topology?​

The ring topology has been extensively used in several applications. Common instances of networked devices in a ring configuration are seen in industrial control systems, which are used to monitor and regulate various operations. Additionally, it has been used in telecommunications networks as a dependable and effective method for transmitting data. The most common use cases of ring topology are outlined below:

• Ring architecture applies to both LANs and WANs.
• Ring topology is frequently used in SONET (Synchronous optical network) fiber networks in the telecommunications sector.
• Ring topology is employed in educational institutions since it is used by fewer commercial enterprises and has a reduced operating cost.
• It uses the bidirectional capability to redirect traffic in a different direction if the connection with a node is lost.
• The ring network is frequently utilized by businesses as a fallback system for their primary network.

Final Thoughts

While the ring topology may not be in use, it is always best to understand historical architectures to learn from them and their ideal use cases. With the emergence of new networking technologies and scenarios, there may be a need to revive older technologies. On the other hand, use cases where ring topologies are a poor choice need to be understood so they are not resurrected when they should not be.