ring topology

What is ring topology (in computer networking)?

A networking topology in which network stations are connected along a single path whose ends are joined to form a circle. The circle might be logical only; the physical arrangement of the cabling might be starlike, with a hub or concentrator at the center. A ring network is based on a ring topology.

The ring topology is commonly used in the following kinds of networks:

• Token ring networks:
  The ring of a token ring network is concentrated inside a device called a Multistation Access Unit (MAU).

   

• Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) networks:
  The ring in this case is both a physical and logical ring and usually runs around a campus or collection of buildings to form a high-speed backbone network.

   

Graphic R-7. Ring topology.

See also:

• bus topology
• mesh topology
• star bus topology
• star topology