Difference between Ring Topology and Bus Topology in Computer Networks

Last Updated : 18 Sep, 2024

Network topology deals with how devices are arranged and how they will communicate within a network. Ring and Bus are the most popular topology. Both topologies have different characteristics and pros and cons that set them apart for the implementation of specific networking needs. In this article, we will look at the ring versus the bus topology of LAN and WAN connections and the differences in their implementations, dependability, and usage.

What is Ring Topology?

In Ring topology, there is a circular data path. Each of the devices is connected to two other devices in the network. Data is transmitted from sender to receiver by passing it from one device to another until the receiver device is reached. If any of the connection is broken then the whole network crashes because they are connected sequentially. This topology is used for the connection of LAN or WAN.

Ring Topology Advantages

Low cost: It has a low installation cost as compared to other topologies like Bus.
Efficient data transfer: Data packets are transferred in a systematized manner hence giving less chance of data collision.
In case bidirectional ring topology is utilized, it provides redundancy and data moves in the opposite direction also in case of failure of one path

Ring Topology Disadvantages

If one device or one connection is broken the entire network collapses.
Tracing the exact point of failure in a large ring network, which turns out to be challenging.
Adding new devices in the network is complex and creates an interruption of existing data flows.

What is Bus Topology?

Bus topology is a type of network topology in which all the devices are connected to a single cable which is called the backbone of the network. It consists of a terminator at each end of the cable. The network cable is responsible for the communication between the devices and when the data reaches the end of the cable it is removed by the terminator from the data line. It is the easiest network topology when the devices are to be connected linearly.

Bus Topology Advantages

Easy Installation: The equipment can be easily installed and removed without affecting the network.
Less amount of cable: It uses lesser cables compared to other topologies, it is cost effective too.
For Small networks: Due to lower number of devices and lighter data, it is efficient for small networks.

Bus Topology Disadvantages

The number of devices that can be supported is limited by the distance of the backbone cable, which affects scalability.
As many devices use the same backbone, heavy traffic can create data collisions, thereby slowing down communication
It becomes challenging to trace faults or errors in a bus topology
The central cable, when faulty, brings down the entire network.

Differences between Ring Topology and Bus Topology

Ring Topology	Bus Topology
In a Ring topology, each device is connected to two other devices in a circular fashion.	Bus topology is a topology where each device is connected to a single cable which is known as the backbone.
In Ring topology data is sent through the devices from sender to receiver device.	In Bus topology data is sent directly from sender to receiver device..
Ring topology has a lower implementation cost than a bus topology.	The implementation cost of Bus topology is higher than Ring topology
Ring topology is less reliable as failure of one device affects whole network.	Bus topology is more reliable than Ring topology
Tracking fault is easy in Ring topology than in Bus topology.	It is difficult to find fault in Bus topology.
Addition of new device is difficult in Ring topology than Bus topology.	In a Bus topology, the new device is added very easily.
The access speed is less than Bus topology because of sequential access.	Access speed is fast in comparison of Ring topology
Ring topology do not contains any terminators.	Bus topology has terminators at both ends.
There are less chances of data collision in ring topology.	There are more chances of data collisions in bus topology when heavy traffic is there in the network.
The failure of a single node leads to the breakdown of the entire network.	The failure of a single node does not lead to the breakdown of the entire network.
It is more secure as compared to bus topology.	It is less secure because of the visibility of data transmission to any node connected in a network.
Tokens are the means for transmitting information from one node to another node in a network.	Tokens are not required for transmitting information in a bus topology.

Conclusion

Both Ring and Bus have advantages and disadvantages. Ring topology offers ordered and collision-free data transmission but suffers from reliability issues in case of failure of a single device. On the other hand, Bus is easier to install as well as expand, but it will be more prone to data collisions and network failures due to the backbone's failure. So, it will depend upon which would suit that particular need of a network-mostly on scale, cost, and data traffic.

Difference between Ring Topology and Mesh Topology

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