In this topology, it forms a ring connecting devices with its exactly two neighboring devices.
A number of repeaters are used for Ring topology with a large number of nodes, because if someone wants to send some data to the last node in the ring topology with 100 nodes, then the data will have to pass through 99 nodes to reach the 100th node. Hence to prevent data loss repeaters are used in the network.
The transmission is unidirectional, but it can be made bidirectional by having 2 connections between each Network Node, it is called Dual Ring Topology.
The following operations take place in ring topology are :
* One station is known as a monitor station which takes all the responsibility to perform the operations.
* To transmit the data, the station has to hold the token. After the transmission is done, the token is to be released for other stations to use.
* When no station is transmitting the data, then the token will circulate in the ring.
* There are two types of token release techniques: Early token release releases the token just after transmitting the data and Delay token release releases the token after the acknowledgment is received from the receiver.
Advantages of this topology :
* The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
* Cheap to install and expand.
Problems with this topology :
* Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
* The addition of stations in between or removal of stations can disturb the whole topology.
* Less secure.
