Networking Fundamentals

Advantages

A ring topology is relatively simple to troubleshoot. Looking back at Figure 5.4, if we know that Computer A can talk to Computer B but not to Computer C, then the issue must be somewhere between Computer B and Computer C, or on the devices themselves.

Additionally, as the devices in a ring topology are not fighting for access to the network media, no collisions take place, making it quite efficient. In addition to this, each device that receives the data will regenerate the signal before passing it on to the next device, thereby reducing signal attrition.

Finally, it is relatively simple to add a new device to a ring network. You disconnect the cable from one of the existing machines, plug that into the new device, and run a ...