What is Ring Topology?
Devices connect in a closed loop (ring). Each device connects to exactly two other devices, forming a continuous circular pathway. Data travels in one direction around the ring.
How It Works:
- Circular connection: Each device has two neighbors
- Token passing: A special "token" circulates; only the device with the token can transmit
- Unidirectional: Data travels in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise)
- Data regeneration: Each device receives, regenerates, and forwards data
Ring Topology Advantages:
- No collisions: Token system prevents data collisions
- Equal access: All devices get fair access to network
- Predictable performance: Consistent performance under heavy load
- Moderate cabling: Less cable than star, more than bus
Ring Topology Disadvantages:
- Single point of failure: If one device or cable fails, ring breaks and network fails
- Difficult to troubleshoot: Must locate exact break in the ring
- Adding devices disrupts network: Must break ring to add new device
- Slower for small data: Data must pass through multiple devices
- Largely obsolete: Replaced by star in modern networks
Historical Note:
Ring topology was used in IBM Token Ring networks (1980s-1990s) but has been replaced by switched Ethernet (star topology) in modern networks.
This key facts covers Ring Topology within Network Topologies for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Network Topologies in 3.5 Fundamentals of Computer Networks for GCSE Computer Science with 16 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Network Topologies
In a star network topology, all devices connect to which central component?
State two advantages of a mesh network topology. [2 marks]