10 Features of Ring Topology with Examples In Real Life & Diagram

Ring Technology is extensively used and utilized in small premises using LAN networks. This network is reliable with fast data accessing and transferring speed.

Due to the significant features of ring topology, they are installed in schools, colleges, and universities campus.

What is Ring Topology in Computer Network

In a ring topology, every node, computer, or device is connected to its neighbor device.

RING TOPOLOGY is used and utilized in LAN [Local Area Network] and WAN [Wide Area Network], where each node is connected in a closed-loop configuration.

The network is directly connected to the device, whereas all the devices are connected through them.

What is Ring Topology
What is Ring Topology
The ring topology is also called “Active Topology”. 

In this topology, data, and information are not transferred from one computer to another, but the data is passed or transferred to a device that is next to the device.

In this way, the data and information are given to the computer system.

In a ring topology, all nodes and computers form a ring shape where all nodes are connected.

The signals are passed or transferred with the help of a repeater.

The device attached to the network is called a “Hoop Network” also called “Dual Ring Topology”.

Use these network cards are used for LAN and WAN

This network uses RJ 45 cables and Coaxial cables to connect two computer nodes.

10 Features of Ring Topology With Examples in Tabular Form & Comparison Table

#Features of Ring Topology
1They are faster in data transfer and exchange.
2They are more reliable in the network topology.
3Signal strength is good.
4Nodes act like a repeater in the network.
5Data flow is in proper order.
6They are used in small networks.
7The data flow is in a unidirectional and bidirectional path.
8LAN and MAN Networks are used in a ring topology.
9Simple to resolve errors.
10More nodes and devices can be added and modified easily.

Features of Ring Topology With Infographic

Features of Ring Topology
Features of Ring Topology

Where is Ring Topology Used?

Ring topology is used in small networks like small offices.

This network cannot work with high-speed data exchange and transfer; also, the size and structure of the network cannot be updated and altered.

In this network, few nodes or devices are attached to the network.

Advantages of Ring Topology

  • The data and information rate in a ring topology is higher than in others.
  • The network server is not needed for connectivity.
  • Other workstations or nodes can be added without disturbing network performance.
  • More nodes can be added and modified and can also be removed easily.
  • Errors, faults, and bugs are easily detected and resolved with ease.
  • Easy to expand the network.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

  • The ring topology can be easily managed.
  • Installation is inexpensive.
  • If one node is corrupted or damaged affects the entire network.
  • The performance of ring topology is comparatively slower than bus topology.
  • Removing, moving, and adding nodes affect networks.
  • In a unidirectional ring, data passes to all nodes.

Who Invented Ring Topology?

IBM introduced in 1984.

Types of Ring Topology

There are two types of ring topology
  1. Unidirectional Ring Network.
  2. Bidirectional Ring Network.

1. Unidirectional Ring

In a unidirectional ring network, the data and information are transferred in one direction, clockwise or anticlockwise.

This network is also called the “Half Duplex Network.”

2. Bidirectional Ring Network

In a Unidirectional ring network, two nodes are connected; hence they are converted into the bidirectional network, also called a “Dual Ring Network”.

Examples of Ring Topology

  • The ring topology is used on school, college, and university campuses. The ring topology is used in the small network; data and information are sent from one device to another.
  • Optic fiber is used in telephone lines where data and information travel from one device to another in the unidirectional path to all other computers and laptops connected to the network.
  • Ring topology is used in LAN and WAN networks.

Different Types of Topology

There are six types of topology in computer networks
  • Bus Topology.
  • Ring Topology.
  • Star Topology.
  • Mesh Topology.
  • Tree Topology.
  • Hybrid Topology.

Applications of Ring Topology in Tabular Form

  1. The ring topology is used in small premises like schools, colleges, and universities.
  2. The ring topology works faster and presents a higher data transfer rate.
  3. The data and information is transferred in a unidirectional path.
  4. WAN [Wide Area Network] also with ring topology as WAN is a collection of LANs.
  5. Optical Network (SONET) is used for a big telephone call through fiber optic cables.

Three Limitations of Ring Topology?

  1. Single Point of Failure.
  2. Limited Scalability.
  3. Performance Impact.
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Difference Between Ring & Bus Topology

#Ring TopologyBus Topology
1 Less reliable.More reliable.
2Inexpensive.Expensive.
3Identifying errors is easy, also resolving them.Difficult to find errors.
4Slower in data exchange.Faster in data exchange.
5Hard to add new devices.Easy to add new devices.
6Every device is connected to two devices.Every device is connected with a single cable.

Which Devices Used in Ring Topology?

  • RJ-45 network cable or a coaxial cable.
  • Hub or Modem.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Who is the Father of Topology?

Johann Benedict introduced the term topology in the 19th century.

What is Called Ring Topology?

Ring topology is a network topology that is used in small networks. In a Ring topology, each node is connected to two other devices on each side with the help of an RJ 45 or coaxial cable.

Which Topology is Best?

Star Topology is considered to be the best topology.

Which is the Fastest Topology?

Star Topology is the fastest topology.

Which is the Cheapest Topology?

Bus Topology.

Is Ring Topology Still Used?

Ring Topology is used in a simple network like small offices.

Is LAN a Type of Topology?

There are three common topologies found in LANs: star, ring, and bus

Why is ring topology not used?

Ring Topology is not used due to its lack of scalability.

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