Ring Topology

The ring topology is a physical, closed loop consisting of point-to-point links. All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it. Each node on the ring acts as a repeater. It receives a transmission from the previous node and amplifies it before passing it on.

1. Advantages of Ring topology
   • Each repeater duplicates the data signals so that very little signal degradation occurs.
2. Disadvantages of Ring topology
   • A break in the ring can disable the entire network. Many ring designs incorporate extra cabling that can be switched in if a primary cable fails.
   • Because each node must have the capability of functioning as a repeater, the networking devices to be more expensive.
3. Examples of Ring topology
   • IBM Token Ring (although wired as a Star)
   • Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI).