Ring Topology: Definition, Practices, and Importance
A ring topology is a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel. Each networked device is linked to two more ones by two points on a circle. A ring network is a collective term for the devices arranged in a ring topology.
Early on, tiny structures like businesses and schools were the most common places to adopt the ring topology. However, this kind of technology isn't often employed in the present world. It has been changed to different network types for stability, performance, or support.
Data packets go from one device to the next in a ring network until they arrive at their destination. A unidirectional ring network, which most ring topologies provide, allows packets to move only in one way. Others, referred to be bidirectional, allowing data to flow in either direction.
The main drawback of a ring topology is that if any one link inside the ring fails, the network as a whole is impacted.
Both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) may employ ring topologies (wide area networks). A coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together in a ring topology, depending on each computer's network card type.
In this article we will discuss the following topics regarding ring topology:
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What is Ring Topology?
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How does Ring Topology work?
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How ring topology is formed?
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How does Ring Topology transmit data?
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Which device is used in a Ring topology?
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What are the best practices of Ring Topology?
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What are the advantages of Ring Topology?
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What are the disadvantages of Ring Topology?
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How much does a Ring Topology cost?
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What is the importance of Ring Topology in LAN?
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Where should firewalls be placed in a network topology?
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What is the difference between the Ring Topology and Star Topology?
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Is a Ring Topology secure?
What is Ring Topology?
A ring topology is a network design in which devices are linked together in a ring structure and communicate with one another based on the nodes that are next to them on the ring. A ring topology is more effective than a bus architecture and can support greater loads. Most Ring Topologies are referred to as one-way unidirectional ring networks since packets may only go in one direction. The two main varieties of ring topology are bidirectional and unidirectional, respectively. Different types of ring topology installations function differently depending on the devices that are being connected to build a network.
Figure 1. Ring topology diagram
LANs or WANs may employ ring structure. An RJ-45 network cable or a coaxial cable is used to link computers in a ring topology, depending on the network card that each computer is using. A ring topology has the benefit of not requiring a central hub for operation. In comparison to other networks, this sort of network installation and troubleshooting is quite simple.
Rings may exhibit either unidirectional or bidirectional traffic flow. In unidirectional rings, all traffic moves in a single direction, either clockwise or anticlockwise. On the other hand, bidirectional rings, such as those seen in SONET/SDH networks, allow traffic to flow in both directions. The disadvantage of an unidirectional ring architecture is that if one node fails to relay data, the network as a whole suffers. As a result, a dual-ring structure is used in certain ring topology installations to address this issue. The information is sent in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions in a dual-ring construction. In the event that one transmission fails, there is a second method of transmission available; these systems are referred to as redundant ring structures.
How Does Ring Topology Work?
In the context of network topologies, the ring topology is characterized by each node being connected to precisely two other nodes, so establishing a singular, uninterrupted conduit for signal transmission via each node, resulting in a ring-like structure. The transmission of data occurs sequentially between nodes, where each node in the network is responsible for processing every packet it receives. The processes for sending data between nodes in a ring network are as follows:
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Empty tokens are easily exchanged all around the ring. The ring has a speed range of 16 Mbps to 100 Mbps, and an even faster ring is currently being developed.
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Placeholders for transmitting data frames and sender/receiver addresses are present on the empty token.
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When a sending node needs to send a message, it takes a token and fills it with the information, inserting the MAC address of the receiving node and its own ID in the appropriate spots on the token.
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The filled token is delivered to the next ring node.
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The next node gets the token and checks to see if the data transferred is intended for it. If it is, the data is copied from the frame to the node, and the token is set to zero and handed to the following node. If not, the token is passed to the following node as is.
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Until the data reaches its intended location, the previous procedure is repeated.
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If the token discovers that the recipient has read the data when it gets to the sender, it will initiate the message.
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The token has been circulated once again and is available for consumption by any node.
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If the network supports dual ring, data is transmitted in the other way to the destination if a node in the ring path is idle and communication is disrupted.
How is Ring Topology Formed?
A ring network is a network in which each device is connected to two other devices through the use of multiples of these formations that are coupled to form a circular path. Until the data reaches the target, in-ring topology data is transmitted from one device to the next, and so on. This topology is also known as the Token Ring Topology because data is conveyed via tokens from the sending node to the destination node. Since this topology requires all nodes to be active in order for transmission to continue, it is also known as an Active Topology.
There may be data loss if there are many nodes since the tokens must pass through several nodes before arriving at their final destination. Repeaters are sometimes deployed to improve signal strength to stop this data loss. Ring topology is deployed in one of the following ways:
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Unidirectional Ring: A unidirectional ring network, also known as a half-duplex network, only allows data to travel in one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The majority of ring networks generally only permit this type of data transmission.
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Bidirectional Ring: By establishing two links between two network nodes, a unidirectional ring network may be changed into a bidirectional network. It is also known as a dual-ring network since two rings are made and data is sent in the opposite direction of one of them. If one of the intermediary nodes fails while transferring data in one direction, dual rings offer backup routes to any node.
What are the Popular Protocols Used in Ring Topology?
Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP), Device Level Ring (DLR), and Media Redundancy Protocol are the prominent protocols used in ring architecture and are explained below:
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Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP): A ring topology protocol called Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP) is used to provide a method for handling failures, control loops, and to aid increased convergence time, which is typically 15ms. The primary application of this ring protocol is exclusively between switches. Additionally, across a switch, many REP rings may be present. Simple port roles on the switch, such as Primary, No-neighbor, Edge, Transit, and No-neighbor Primary, are assigned to create this REP ring.
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Device Level Ring: Device level ring protocol enables automation devices to be organized in a ring with a junction time of under 3 milliseconds. The sole need for this protocol's setup is the assignment of a ring supervisor in order to link the ring. So, the ring's supervisor just keeps an eye on it to look for problems.
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Media Redundancy Protocol: The Media Redundancy Protocol, which offers load balancing, fault tolerance, and recovery times of 10ms or less, is employed in a Ring topology to avoid single points of failure. A ring manager switch stops all transmitting packets on one of its two chosen ring ports in accordance with the media redundancy protocol in order to separate the switch loop. With the exception of the dangerous switch loop, redundant connections are not excluded from the traffic from linked devices to the switches inside the loop.
How does Ring Topology Transmit Data?
Every device in a ring topology is simply linked together with two other devices in a circular pattern. Data is passed from one device to another in this sort of topology until it reaches its goal. Tokens are used to convey data from the transmitting node to the destination. Token ring topology is another name for this architecture.
What is Token Passing in A Ring Topology?
A token is analogous to a permission packet that grants a certain node authorization to distribute data over the network, to put it another way. A token contains a piece of information that the source computer sends with data. Regular token transfers occur between nodes in a ring topology. Additionally, a node releases information that it has to transmit through the network. The token is transferred to the following node if the node has no data to release to the network. Only nodes holding a token are permitted to transfer data. It takes time for an empty token to reach other nodes.
Which Device is Used in Ring Topology?
Both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) employ ring topologies (wide area networks). A coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network cable is used to connect computers together in a ring topology, depending on each computer's network card type.
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:
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Ring architecture is applicable to both LANs and WANs.
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Ring topology is frequently used in SONET (Synchronous optical network) fiber networks in the telecommunications sector.
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Ring topology is employed in educational institutions since it is used by fewer commercial enterprises and has a reduced operating cost.
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It uses the bidirectional capability to redirect traffic in a different direction if the connection with a node is lost.
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The ring network is frequently utilized by businesses as a fallback system for their primary network.
What are the Advantages of Ring Topology?
Below you can find some of the advantages of ring topology:
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Easy Implementation: A ring topology network may be put into place with minimal labor. Devices can be arranged indefinitely close together. There are no limitations on how many devices may be installed. Only the next-door device has to be relocated whenever a new device is installed.
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High Performance: A ring network's high data transmission speeds are another benefit. Here, data exchanges between workstations often happen quite quickly. Its performance won't be affected by excessive load, even under those circumstances.
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Scalability: The ring topology's architecture makes the scaling process simple. Workstations can be added by users one at a time. The network won't experience any overloads or performance declines as a result.
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Dependability: Ring topology can be made somewhat dependable even if it lacks the robustness attribute. especially when using several rings. There are extremely few failures because of the ring topology's bidirectional nature. Here, the info is moving both ways. As a result, various pathways are followed for the same node.
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Less Data Collision: Data collisions are extremely unlikely thanks to the ring topology's one-way data flow. As a result, the data delivery procedure is easier here.
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No Need for a Server: There is no need for a network server because every workstation is connected in a circle. So, with this design, every workstation has its own connectivity. The wires used to connect each item are the sole necessity in this situation.
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Easy Problem-solving: Troubleshooting a ring topology fault is simple unless it is unidirectional. All the workstations that are situated after the faulty computer will cease to function in the event of a breakdown. Users might save time by more quickly locating the point of failure.
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Expense savings: Ring topologies often require less cabling compared to other complex topologies like mesh or stars. Especially for larger networks, this can result in expense savings. In addition, the absence of a central switch or center in a ring topology further reduces equipment costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.
What are the Disadvantages of Ring Topology?
Some disadvantages of Ring Topology are listed below:
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High Cost: A ring topology system typically necessitates costly hardware for network configuration. The workstations cannot be connected if the necessary cables and network cards are not used. As a result, the installation procedure is more expensive. Therefore, it is advised for customers on a limited budget to choose some alternative options.
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Difficulty in Troubleshooting: Identifying and diagnosing errors in a ring topology can be difficult. The closed-loop design makes it more difficult to pinpoint the precise location of a defect or failure. Diagnosing and rectifying problems, such as a broken connection or a malfunctioning device, can necessitate thorough inspection and testing, which may result in a prolonged network outage.
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Slow Speed: Even though ring topology has fast data transport rates, it nonetheless moves more slowly than a star topology. Every workstation is traversed by the data during transmission from one device to another. The amount of time the data needs to travel generates a delay as a result. Thus, the performance of the entire network is impacted.
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Security Issues: A data packet travels through each and every linked workstation in a ring topology. Each linked workstation will have access to the data of the others. Since sensitive information may be easily accessed by unauthorized parties, this raises certain security and privacy issues.
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Resilience: The majority of the ring topology network follows a unidirectional path. Which simply means that every piece of equipment is dependent on every other one. It is necessary to compensate the entire network in the event of a single workstation loss.
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Equipment Connection: The network activity is disrupted whenever a new node is joined to or removed from the ring topology. Each workstation in this area is connected to the others. Therefore, users must bear the burden of network change-related outages.
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Cable Deficiency: One cable supports the complete network's ring structure. On this wire, a number of network nodes are arranged in a circular pattern. In the unlikely event that the connection or the dropline fails, the signals will stop moving.
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Bandwidth Constrictions: Bandwidth is severely constrained by ring topology. More connected devices may result in insufficient bandwidth. The users can suffer communication hiccups as a result. Because of this, it is best to ensure that this architecture has few linked nodes.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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| Easy Implementation | Difficulty in Troubleshooting a Network |
| High Performance | Slow Speed |
| Scalability | Cable Deficiency |
| Dependability | Security Issues |
| Less Data Collision | Resilience |
| No Need for a Server | Equipment Connection |
| Easy Problem-solving | Difficulty in Troubleshooting |
| Expense savings | High Cost |
| One-directional data flow | Bandwidth Constrictions |
Table 1. Advantages & Disadvantages of Ring Topology
Is Ring Topology Expensive?
Yes. In comparison to other systems, the gear required to build a ring topology system is more expensive to buy and install. Hubs, switches, or Ethernet cards will be a more cost-effective solution if you require a network but are on a restricted budget. The advantages of this design will be lost, but in some circumstances, it could be a wise trade-off.
Ring topologies are less expensive when compared to hybrid, tree, or mesh designs, but if necessary, you may also examine less expensive choices. If you wish to incorporate redundancies into the system to be proactive about preventing interruptions, it is especially vital to take this disadvantage into account.
What is the Importance of Ring Topology in LAN?
A local area network (LAN) is defined as a collection of devices that are restricted to a specific geographic region, such as a small building. But given that the idea of small-large is very relative and dependent on viewpoint, it is challenging to pinpoint the precise spots behind a local area network. Devices only utilize LAN to share resources within a certain area. For instance, a local area network (LAN) offers a centrally managed network for 10 computers in a company's office. All computers are connected to one network thanks to LAN technology. Additionally, several computers or wireless access points can be used to connect many devices to the same local area network, including printers and IP phones.
There are several sorts of network topologies, and each form has its own applications, structures, and capabilities. However, choosing the right topology can aid in maintaining network structure, boosting data transmission speeds, and improving energy efficiency.
The importance of Ring Topology comes from its following features: The likelihood of packet collisions is decreased since all data flows in one direction in the ring topology. In the Ring Topology controlling network connectivity between each workstation is done without a network server. High-speed data exchange is possible between workstations in the Ring Topology. The network's performance won't be affected by adding more workstations.
What is the Difference Between Ring Topology and Star Topology?
Both the Star and Ring topologies describe how a computer network's many elements are organized and how the nodes communicate with one another. Here are the differences between the Ring Topology and Star Topology:
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Definition: A network architecture known as a "star topology" is one in which all of the nodes are linked to a single hub or router, via which all of the nodes receive data. A sort of network design known as a "ring topology" has all nodes totally connected to one another through a dedicated link. The transfer of data happens between nodes. Every node is also linked to the nodes to its left and right.
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Number of nodes: In a star topology, there are as many links as there are nodes in the network. A Star Topology would have "N" nodes if there were "N" linkages in it. There are "N" linkages in a ring topology, where "N" is the number of nodes.
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Complexity: Star topology is less difficult than Ring topology because of its straightforward nature. Ring Topology, on the other hand, is seen as being more difficult owing to the complexity of node arrangement.
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Cost-efficiency: Ring Topology is more expensive than Star Topology.
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Data Transmission: Data is sent from the central hub or router to all nodes in a star topology. The data moves from one node to the next in a ring topology.
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Usage: Star topology is simple to set up and has a lot of extensibility. In LANs, star topology is commonly employed. Ring Topology may be utilized in WANs but is not very expandable.
| Criteria | Star Topology | Ring Topology |
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| Definition | "star topology" is a network architecture in which all of the nodes are linked to a single hub or router, via which all of the nodes receive data. | "ring topology" is a sort of network design that has all nodes totally connected to one another through a dedicated link. |
| Amount of nodes | "N" nodes if there were "N" linkages in it. | "N" linkages in a ring topology, where "N" is the number of nodes. |
| Complexity | Less difficult because of its straightforward nature. | More difficult owing to the complexity of node arrangement. |
| Cost-efficiency | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Data transmission | Data is sent from the central hub or router to all nodes. | The data moves from one node to the next. |
| Usage | Simple to set up and has a lot of extensibility. commonly employed in LANs. | Utilized in WANs but is not very expandable. |
Table 2. Star Topology vs Ring Topology
Is Ring Topology Secure?
Yes. In comparison to other network architectures like bus or star topologies, ring topologies are more challenging to exploit. They become more secure against data theft and eavesdropping as a result. However, in a ring topology, a data packet traverses each and every connected workstation. Each connected workstation will have access to the other's data. The fact that sensitive information is readily accessible to unauthorized parties poses security and privacy concerns.