Ring Topology Overview

What is a significant disadvantage of the ring topology?

How does data travel in a ring topology?

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

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

In what configuration are ring networks most commonly wired?

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

What is one advantage of the ring topology regarding troubleshooting?

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

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

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.

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.