Ring Topology Overview

Questions and Answers

What is a significant disadvantage of the ring topology?

Allows for easy addition of hub or switch

Single points of failure can disrupt the entire network (correct)

Easily scalable without disruption

Simplifies network troubleshooting

How does data travel in a ring topology?

From a central hub to all computers at once

In a circular fashion from one computer to the next (correct)

Randomly between multiple nodes at the same time

In a straight line from one computer to another

What role does the multistation access unit (MSAU) play in a token ring network?

It allows for wirelessly connecting devices in the network

It acts as a physical switch connecting multiple segments of the network

It replaces the primary ring in case of failure

It performs token circulation internally (correct)

What happens when computers are added or removed from a ring topology?

Network disruption may occur Signup and view all the answers

In what configuration are ring networks most commonly wired?

Star configuration Signup and view all the answers

What is a fault-tolerant design in a ring network?

A design that includes primary and secondary rings Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of the ring topology regarding troubleshooting?

Cable faults are easily located Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage when a single break occurs in the cable of a ring topology?

The entire network becomes inaccessible Signup and view all the answers

What does the ring-in (RI) port connect to in a complete ring topology?

It connects to the ring-out (RO) port of another MSAU Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ring Topology Overview

Data flows in a circular manner within a ring topology, forming a logical ring rather than a physical one.
No hub or switch is necessary for a typical installation of a ring network.

Network Failures

A single computer or cable failure causes a disruption, making the entire network inaccessible.
Network disruptions can also occur during the addition or removal of computers, leading to impracticality in dynamic environments.

Fault-Tolerant Design

Ring networks can implement a fault-tolerant design with primary and secondary rings.
If one ring fails, the second ring allows data to continue reaching its destination.
Implementing a secondary ring increases both cost and complexity.

Configuration

Ring networks are often wired in a star configuration.
In a token ring network, a multistation access unit (MSAU) functions similarly to a hub or switch in Ethernet networks.
MSAUs circulate tokens internally, connecting through ring-in (RI) and ring-out (RO) ports to form the complete ring.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
- Easy location of cable faults simplifies troubleshooting.
- Moderate ease of installation.
Disadvantages:
- Network expansion can lead to disruptions.
- A single cable break can incapacitate the entire network.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of ring topology in computer networking. Explore how data travels in a circular manner and the implications of network disruptions. Understand the significance of physical versus logical configurations in networking.