Token Ring Topology Advantages and Disadvantages

In this tutorial, we are going to see the token ring topology advantages and disadvantages.

As network technology has evolved, several different standards have been used to meet the particular needs of networks and architectures. As of 2011, the most modern network solutions can be met using an Ethernet network topology. The Token Ring network is an older model of network topology that is rarely used anymore but does offer a unique advantage over Ethernet.
 

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All devices connected to a network segment exist within a collision domain. When two devices in the same domain attempt to transmit, at the same time, a collision occurs and the data packets are dropped. More devices connected to a network segment, more collisions occur. A token ring network tried to solve this problem by linking devices in a logical ring. A token frame was passed from a computer to a virtual ring until it arrived at a device that needed to transmit. This device would terminate the token frame and transmit its data. Once the transmission was complete, the transmitting device would pass the token frame along to the next machine in the cable and the process would begin again.
 

Advantages of Token Ring Topology

Only the device with the token frame can transmit at any time. This level of control allowed Token Ring to run larger networks at higher levels of efficiency. This ability and efficiency was a huge advantage at a time when network hubs were commonly used.
 

 

Disadvantages of Token Ring Topology

The disadvantage of Token Ring networks is that the equipment required is expensive and continues to be as the technology becomes more outdated. Most manufacturers do not develop or support token ring technology, so in addition to the increased cost of purchasing equipment, there is the added difficulty of finding the equipment. A new token ring network may rely on existing equipment. In addition to the cost and difficulty, a Token Ring network is significantly slower than Ethernet as each computer must wait its turn in the ring for the token frame to arrive before it can communicate.
 

Alternative of Token Ring Topology

A modern network has almost no reason not to use an Ethernet network topology. Network switches are more common and help prevent collision problems by establishing a separate collision domain for each device connected to them. The extra speed offered by Ethernet networks also tends to compensate for the inefficiency due to lost packets. The equipment is also much cheaper, easier to find, and simple to install.
 
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