Ring topology as per its name implies all the computers are connected in the form of a ring. Each computer has a connection with two other computers to form the ring. The data move in only one specific direction in this ring within the limited time interval. In this topology, each computer got the access to transmit its data to other computers but for the fixed time interval.
All computers are connected with each other in a closed-loop or called in the form of a ring. Only one computer can transmit data at a time other all wait for the end of transmission. This topology actually works on the basis of a token system. The token move in one specific direction in a loop the computer who wants to transmit data has to wait for his turn when it got the token it attaches the data and destination address with it and leave the token. Token move in the ring when it reaches the destination computer it will pull out the data remove its address from it then leave it in the ring so that anyone else who wants to transmit data got it.
Example:
In our example, we have four computers connected in a ring topology. Computer A wants to send data to Computer C for this Computer A, waits for the token when it got the token it attaches its data and the destination address Computer C and leaves the token in the ring. Toke will move in the specific direction Computer C will receive the token match its address with the destination address attached in token after verification of address it will receive the data and remove its address from toke, leave the token in the ring for other communication. This is the whole process of ring topology.
Advantages of Ring topology:
Installation of ring topology is easy. Cabling cost is not much more because of less cabling. as data traveling is unidirectional therefore the chances of data collision are very low. If you have any problem in a specific node It is easy to trace it as the token does not pass through the faulty node. Every node has the same access time to prevent the disruption in data traveling.
Disadvantages of Ring topology:
The whole network goes down if even a single node fails. As each data message have to follow the ring path that would slow the speed of data transmission. It is difficult to add a new node or reconfiguration of ring topology as for this you have to break the ring and the whole topology will go down.