Star vs. Ring topology: Which is the best network topology?

When it comes to network designs, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various types of network topology, especially when it comes to star topology and ring topology.

Topology refers to the relationship/connection of various devices on a similar that allows them to share data. It is the geometrical configuration of computers, cables, and other peripherals in a specific network. There are two main types of topology; the physical topology, as described above and logical topology refers to how connected devices share information.

Physical topology consists of mesh, star, bus, ring, and hybrid topology. In this review, we shall examine star and ring topology to find out their differences and similarities.

What are the differences between star topology and ring topology?

Star vs. Ring topology- How do they compare?

Type of connection

Star topology refers to a type of network architecture that connects each device to a central controller, commonly known as a hub. The connected devices do not have any direct links as the centralized hub acts as a mediator. As a result, when one device wants to send data to another device, it must first send it to the centralized hub, which in turn relays the information to the other connected devices.

On the other hand, ring topology refers to connecting each device to the other two adjacent devices using a dedicated point-to-point line configuration, allowing the first device to connect to the last device. In turn, data signals move in one direction, from one device to the next until it arrives at its destination. Each device in the ring has an installed repeater that regenerates the bits of the signal and boosts it until it reaches the destination. Once the signal arrives, the receiver sends confirmation of receipt to the sender.

Therefore, star topology has a simpler structure than ring topology.

Transmission speed

In star topology, information moves from one device to the central hub, which then sends it to the other connected devices. Using separate cabling, each device connects to the hub individually, allowing fast data transmission speed.

Alternatively, ring topology allows its data to flow sequentially either in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. As a result, each device sends and receives data from the one directly adjacent to it.

Star topology is, therefore, comparatively faster than ring topology.

Network expansion

When adding a new device to star topology, you only need to add a new cable from the new device to the central hub to enable access and data transmission. Star topology only requires an I/O port to connect one device to another and one link to the central hub.

On the other hand, when adding a new link in ring topology, you need two connections that will connect the new device to its adjacent neighbor on each side. As a result, the addition of new devices to the network will require the breaking of the connection, meaning a temporary unserviceable network until the new device activates.

Star topology is, therefore, easier to expand than ring topology.

Troubleshooting

In star topology, the point of failure is the central hub since the failure of any of the connected devices does not cause network failure. When the hub fails, there is no transmission of data through the network. In contrast, each connected device in ring topology is a potential point of failure as any device’s failure affects the flow of data throughout the network.

Star topology is, therefore, easier to troubleshoot than ring topology.

Star vs. Ring topology- A comparison review

Star topology

Star topology refers to a type of network where all devices in the network are connected to a central hub through a communication link. Using a single wire and point-to-point connection between the device and the hub, the central hub takes information from one device and passes it to the other devices in the network. Usually, devices connect to the central hub using a coaxial cable or an RJ-45 network cable.

The central hub acts as a server as it manages and controls the entire functions of the network. As a result, it can easily detect and find solutions to any fault that appears in any of the connected devices. However, when the failure occurs at the central hub, the whole network breaks down since all devices are connected to it.

Pros

• Easy to maintain and manage the network
• Easy to expand
• High-speed data transfer rates
• Reliable

Cons

• Expensive to install
• The central hub can disrupt the entire network

Ring topology

Ring topology is a type of network configuration that connects its devices in a circular or sequential path. Each connected device connects to two others adjacent to it, similar to the points of a circle, giving the network configuration its name, ring topology.

In this type of configuration, data packets flow from one device to another until they arrive at their intended destination. Each device in this topology has an installed repeater that forwards the data until it arrives at its destination. Usually, such packets of data flow in one direction, either clockwise or anticlockwise.  As a result, if one connected device is faulty or breaks its connection to its adjacent neighbors, the whole network becomes defective. The information will continue to travel as it usually does until it reaches the faulty device.

Pros

• All data flows in one direction, preventing data collisions
• No need for a network server
• High-speed data transfer
• Additional devices can be added to the network without affecting its performance

Cons

• All data transferred must pass through each connected device
• If one device is faulty, the entire network is affected

Conclusion

When choosing a type of network connection, it is crucial to understand the various types of topology and how each of them functions to know which is most suitable for your connectivity needs. Both star and ring topology has their own set of pros and cons. However, each type of topology requires a similar number of cables to form a connection.

Final verdict: So, which is better between star and ring topology?

All factors considered, star topology is a better choice as it involves a centralized hub connection type. Although it is more expensive than ring topology, it delivers a more reliable connection as each device has its own dedicated bandwidth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of topology is most suitable for schools?

Ring topology is best suited for school campuses as data flows bit by bit from one device until it reaches its destination.

Why is star topology best for LANs?

Star topology is best suitable for Local Area Networks because all connected devices connect to a single centralized device.