Definition of Ring Topology
What is a ring topology? Understanding Ring Topology or ring topology is a rule, scheme, concept or method used in connecting one computer to another computer where the circuit forms points, each point is connected to two other points in a network.
Each of these points serves as a repeater that can amplify the signal along the circulation. This means that each device cooperates to get a signal from the previous device, and then forwards the signal to the next device.
In the process to receive and forward signals assisted by tokens where the token contains data information from the source computer.
Characteristics of Ring Topology in Computer Networks
This topology is often used in many companies. The characteristics of this ring topology can be seen where the token will pass through the points or nodes then describe whether the information from the source is used at the point to be passed, then if so the token will provide data from the source and run again.
However, if not then the token just passes the point by carrying the information. The ability of the signal to carry data during the journey will determine the success of the data reaching the computer that needs it.
Judging from the understanding of the ring topology above, then in its application to the company's information network it has the following characteristics and characteristics:
- Each computer or device is directly connected to one another in a network.
- In the process of sending data at a time can only be done by one point with a one-way delivery process.
- In its application, it uses the type of UTP cable or Patch Cable and each point is connected in series on the cable by forming a network that resembles a circle.
- Each data or information packet can flow through the right or left point so that this can avoid collisions.
- Damage to one point can cause damage to other points that are connected in a network.
How Ring Topology Works
As explained in the definition of ring topology above, the way this network topology works is that each node functions as a repeater or signal amplifier for other nodes, either before or after.
That way, all computer devices will be able to work together to get a signal from the previous computer and forward it to the next node. In this process, a tool called a token is needed as a means of receiving and forwarding data signals.
In the token itself there is data that comes from the previous computer, then the token will forward the data to the next node. The data will be received by the next node if needed. However, if the data is not needed then the data will be forwarded to the next node.
The data flow will run continuously until it reaches the final destination. The following explains how the ring topology works in order:
- Each computer is connected to the next computer
- Each computer retransmits every time there is a message/token that comes in from the previous computer, then it will forward to the next computer
- Tokens/short messages travel in one direction along the ring/ring and are sent alternately
- Only computers that have tokens/messages can send messages to the destination computer
- The token/message is changed by adding the address and data and then sending it along the ring/ring
Ring Topology Advantages and Disadvantages
After understanding the meaning of ring topology and how it works, of course we also need to know what the advantages of this topology are. All types of computer network topologies have their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as ring topologies.
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of ring topology:
1. Advantages of Ring Topology
- Easy in terms of design and implementation
- Ring topology installation costs tend to be cheaper
- Compared to other topologies such as bus topology, ring topology has better connection performance even with heavy data flows.
- Ring topology is also considered to be more efficient in cable.
- It's easy if you want to re-install or reconfigure the device.
- Make it easier when you want to track and isolate faults on the network with a point to point configuration.
- Avoid data collisions during the delivery process [collision] because only one node can be sent at a time.
2. Disadvantages of Ring Topology
- If an error occurs in one node or point it can result in an error in the entire network. Usually companies that implement this topology use double rings or double rings to anticipate these problems.
- If you want to develop a network, then the process seems rigid. This is because moving, adding and changing devices will affect all networks.
- Communication performance in a ring topology network is highly dependent on the number of points or nodes in the network. The more points, of course, the longer the data transmission process will take.
- Has a configuration that is more difficult than a star topology and requires special handling and management of bandles.
Example of a ring topology in a computer network
The form of ring topology or ring topology is like a ring where each computer in this network is connected by cables to form a circle. The following is an illustration of an example of a ring topology:
From the picture above we can conclude that the data flow in the ring topology must pass through the node and use tokens for data transmission.
Conclusion
In accordance with the understanding of the ring topology above, the main purpose of this topology is to form an effective communication flow in computer networks. Although this topology has several drawbacks, it is used more often than other topologies in corporate computer networks.
Thus a brief explanation of the meaning of ring topology, the characteristics/characteristics of ring topology, how it works, and the advantages and disadvantages of ring topology. May be useful.
Share :