Ringvõrku

Ringvõrku is a term originating from Estonian that translates to "ring network" or "ring topology" in English. In computer networking, a ring topology is a network configuration where devices are connected in a circular fashion, with each device directly linked to two other devices, forming a single continuous pathway for signals. Data travels around the ring in one direction, passing from one device to the next until it reaches its destination.

When a device wants to send data, it transmits the data packet onto the ring. This packet travels through each node. Each node examines the address within the packet. If the address matches its own, it receives the packet. If not, it passes the packet along to the next node in the ring. This process continues until the packet reaches its intended recipient.

A key characteristic of a ring network is its deterministic nature. Because data flows in a single direction and typically uses a token-passing mechanism (where a special "token" signal circulates and a device must possess the token to transmit data), collisions are largely avoided. This makes it predictable in terms of performance.

However, ring networks have several drawbacks. A failure in any single cable or device can disrupt the entire network, as it breaks the continuous path for data. While dual-ring configurations can mitigate this by providing a redundant path, they add complexity and cost. Adding or removing devices from a live ring network can also be disruptive to the rest of the network. Due to these limitations, ring topologies are less common in modern local area networks compared to star or mesh topologies.