Võrguringi

Võrguringi, also known as a ring network, is a type of local area network (LAN) topology where each node is connected to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for data to travel. This structure creates a closed loop, ensuring that data can circulate through the network in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Võrguringi is one of the simplest network topologies to design and implement, as it requires minimal cabling compared to other configurations like bus or star networks.

In a võrguringi, data packets are transmitted in a single direction around the ring, typically using a token-passing or token-ring protocol. Each node receives and processes the data before forwarding it to the next node in sequence. If a node detects an error or a malfunction in the network, it can isolate the issue by stopping the transmission, preventing data corruption from propagating further. This self-healing capability is one of the key advantages of võrguringi, as it can quickly reroute traffic around a failed node without disrupting the entire network.

One of the most well-known implementations of võrguringi is the Token Ring network standard, developed by IBM in the 1980s. This protocol assigned a small control packet called a "token" to each node, allowing only the node holding the token to transmit data. Once the transmission was complete, the token was passed to the next node, ensuring orderly and collision-free communication. While token-ring networks were widely used in enterprise environments during their peak, they have largely been replaced by more modern Ethernet-based solutions, which offer higher speeds and greater flexibility.

Despite its declining popularity in contemporary networking, võrguringi remains an important concept in computer science due to its simplicity and reliability. It serves as a foundational example of how network topologies can be designed to ensure efficient data transmission while minimizing points of failure. The principles of võrguringi also influence other network designs, such as dual-ring architectures used in some high-availability systems.