Network Topologies: Ring Topology

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Questions and Answers

What is a major disadvantage of a ring topology?

A network server or central node is necessary to control network connectivity.

If any individual connection or workstation in the ring is broken, the entire network is affected. (correct)

Data transfer speeds are limited to 10 Mbps.

Data flows in multiple directions, causing packet collisions.

What is an advantage of a ring topology?

All data must pass through a central node, reducing network traffic.

Each workstation is connected to a central hub, improving network reliability.

Data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet collisions. (correct)

Network configuration changes are not affected by device movements.

How does a ring topology compare to a bus topology in terms of performance?

Bus topology always outperforms ring topology.

Ring topology performs better with light network loads.

Ring topology performs better with heavy network loads. (correct)

Both topologies perform equally well in all scenarios.

What is a potential issue with adding new devices to a ring topology?

Device additions can break the network if not configured properly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of ring topology compared to star topology?

All data being transferred must pass through each workstation, making it slower. Signup and view all the answers

Why is reliability a major concern in ring networks?

Single points of failure can bring down the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of implementing a dual ring solution in a network?

Higher deployment and maintenance costs Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of the ring topology?

Improved reliability through redundancy Signup and view all the answers

How do star topologies perform in terms of link failure?

Only the hosts using the failed link are disconnected Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a star topology?

Every node connects to a central network device Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the central network device in a star topology?

To act as a server Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the protocol that is related to the ring topology?

IEEE 802.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of a mesh topology?

Difficulty in building and maintaining the topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ad-hoc networks?

They dynamically establish communication links with devices in proximity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a listed network topology?

Network Topology Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of adding devices in a mesh topology?

It does not disrupt data transmission between other devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a mobile node in an ad-hoc network?

Both as a mobile host and as a mobile router Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of wireless ad-hoc networks?

They enable user mobility and wireless connectivity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Network Topologies

Network cards used in ring topology computers can connect using coaxial cables or RJ-45 network cables.

Ring Topology

All data flows in one direction, reducing packet collisions.
No network server or central node is needed to control network connectivity.
Data transfer between workstations is fast.
Additional workstations can be added without impacting network performance.
It performs better than bus topology with heavy network loads.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

If one connection or workstation in the ring is broken, the entire network is affected.
Data must pass through each workstation, making it slower than star topology.
Hardware needed to connect each workstation is more expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.
Adding or moving devices in the ring can break the network.

Reliability of Ring Networks

A single broken link can impede communication between nodes.
Dual ring solutions improve reliability through redundancy, but increase deployment and maintenance costs.
Token Ring protocol (IEEE 802.5) is a standardization related to ring topology.

Star Topology

Every node connects to a central network device (hub, switch, or computer).
The central network device acts as a server, and peripheral devices act as clients.
This topology is popular for home networks, where devices connect to a local router.
Star topologies are robust against link failure, only affecting hosts using those links.

Advantages of Star Topology

Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.

Mesh Topology

Disadvantages include high implementation costs, difficulty in building and maintaining, and potential for redundant connections.

Ad-Hoc Topology

Wireless ad-hoc networks enable user mobility and wireless connectivity.
Each node dynamically establishes a communication link with nearby devices.
Nodes have a dual role as mobile hosts and mobile routers.
Ad-hoc networks do not rely on infrastructure and communicate over dynamically formed paths.

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Description

Learn about the ring topology, a network architecture that enables communication in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of this topology, including reliability and cost. Discover standardization protocols and data formats.