7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Ring Topology

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1.27.2021

7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Ring Topology


7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Ring Topology
What is Ring Topology ?

Ring topology is a type of network topology where devices are connected in a circular path. Most often this topology is used in Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). For the connection it can use either a coaxial cable or a RJ-45 cable. 


How does Ring Topology work ?

Exactly each devices in this topology is connected to two another forming a ring like structure. Thus, the data is under continuous flow one after the other. The process used to pass pieces of information here is known as the Token Passing. 


What are the types of Ring Topology ?

Based on the direction of data travel, there are two types of ring topologies. Those are the Unidirectional and Bidirectional ring networks. Even though ring topology offers several features, it aren't flawless. Similar to other networking configurations, it is worth considering the pros and cons of ring topology.


In this article, I will be demonstrating about 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology | Drawbacks & Benefits of Ring Topology. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using ring topology. 

Let's get started,

Advantages of Ring Topology


1. Implementation

Implementing a ring topology network can be done with less effort. Devices can be placed one after the other infinitely. There is no restrictions in the number of devices that can be placed. Whenever new devices are added, only the adjacent one needs to be moved.


2. Performance

High speed data transfer rates is another feature of a ring network. The data transfers that occur between each workstations are usually very fast here. Even under the condition of heavy load, its performance will not be impacted.


3. Scalability

The design of ring topology makes the scalability process uncomplicated. The users can keep adding workstations one after the other. It will not cause any overloads or performance degradations in the network.


4. Reliability

Although ring topology lacks the feature of robustness, it still can be made reliable to some extent. Especially by using multiple rings. The bidirectional feature of ring topology ensures that there are very few number of failures. The data moves in both directions here. Therefore, for the same node different paths are taken.


5. Data Direction

The one direction data flow of ring topology makes sure that there are very less chances of data collisions. Thus, the data delivery process is more smooth here. 


6. Server Requirement

Since all of the workstations are connected in a circular way, there is no requirement for a network server. Hence, each workstation on this topology has their own connectivity. The only requirement here is the cables used to connect each devices.


7. Troubleshooting

Unless it is unidirectional, troubleshooting an error in ring topology is an easy process. In case of a failure, all the workstations that is placed after the malfunctioning computer will stop working. Therefore, users could spend less time identifying the place of failure.


Disadvantages of Ring Topology


1. Cost

Generally a ring topology system requires expensive hardware components for setting up the network. Without proper cables and network cards, the workstations cannot be linked. This makes the installation process more costly. Hence, for users with tight budget it is advisable to prefer some other options.


2. Speed

Although ring topology posses high speed data transfer rates, it is still slower compared to a star topology. When the data transmits from one device to another, it passes through each and every workstation. This causes a delay in time the data needs to reach its destination. Thus, the entire network performance is affected.


3. Security

In ring topology, a data packet passes through each and every workstation connected. Each workstation connected will be able to access others information. This creates some security and privacy concerns since unauthorized people can easily intrude sensitive information.


4. Robustness

The path that is taken by most of the ring topology network is unidirectional. Which essentially means that each device is dependent on the other. In case of a single workstation failure, the entire network needs to be compensated.


5. Device Connection

Whenever new node is added or disconnected from the ring topology, it causes disruptions in the network activity. Every workstation here is linked to one another. Which means that users need to carry the burden of interruptions during network changes.


6. Cable Failure

The entire network is ring topology relies on a single cable. Several network nodes are placed on this cable in a circular path. By chance if the connector or the dropline experiences any failure, the signals will no longer travel.


7. Bandwidth Shortages

Ring topology is extremely limited when it comes to bandwidth. If there are more devices connected, that could cause bandwidth shortages. As a result, the users could experience communication delays. That is the reason why it is advisable to make sure there are few nodes connected in this topology.

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