Ringnetwerk

Ringnetwerk is a network topology in which devices are connected in a closed loop, forming a ring. Each node receives the signal and forwards it to the next node, creating a single pathway for frames to traverse the network. In many ring implementations, data travels in one direction, while other versions employ dual rings for fault tolerance.

Data access is often controlled by a token-passing mechanism: a special token circulates the ring, and a node may transmit only when it holds the token, which prevents collisions and provides deterministic access. Historical and notable implementations include Token Ring networks (IEEE 802.5) and the fiber-based FDDI, which used dual counter-rotating rings to improve reliability. In telecom networks, ring structures are common in SONET/SDH and resilient packet ring architectures.

Advantages of a ringnetwerk include relatively straightforward wiring, predictable access latency, and easy expansion by adding nodes to the loop. Disadvantages include reduced effective throughput as the ring grows, a single link failure potentially disrupting communications unless redundancy is built in, and more complex fault isolation and maintenance compared with modern star-based Ethernet networks.

Today, ring topologies are largely uncommon for new LAN designs, with Ethernet switches and star topologies prevailing. Ring concepts persist in certain legacy systems and in some telecom and metropolitan networks where fiber rings provide a resilient path and fault-tolerant transport.