Star vs Ring Topology: Difference and Comparison

A star topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are connected to a central hub or switch. A ring topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are circularly connected to each other. Ring topology is highly reliable, unlike star topology with a single central hub.

Key Takeaways

1. In a star topology, each device is connected to a central hub or switch, while in a ring topology, devices are connected in a closed loop, with each device connected to its two neighbors.
2. Star topologies are easier to troubleshoot and expand than ring topologies, as individual devices can be added or removed without disrupting the network.
3. Ring topologies offer better fault tolerance and can handle higher traffic loads than star topologies but are more challenging to manage and reconfigure.

What is Star Topology?

Star topology is also famous as a star network. It is a computer network. In this network, different devices are connected centrally. It is the most common type of computer network. It is also the most popular kind of topology network.

All devices are connected to the central network device. In a star network, the data must travel to the central node before reaching its destination. Star network differs from the mesh topology and cannot communicate directly with the devices. This network communicates with the help of a hub or switch, or router.

The devices connected to the hub centrally are called hosts or clients, while the central network device acts as a server. The star network card is installed in the computer, and RJ-45 or coaxial cable is used in this network.

Star network is elementary, straightforward, and easy to establish. There are several examples of star networks in our daily life. The networks in hospitals, airports, banks, educational institutes, and offices are star networks or topology.

What is Ring Topology?

Ring topology is also called a ring network in computer networks. It is a network in which each device is connected to two devices on each side. The devices are connected by RJ-45 cable or coaxial cable in the form of a ring.

This forms a circular network, which is called a ring network. The data in the ring network is transferred in only one direction. The data transfer is unidirectional, and the data transfer is unidirectional to the other to the intended device.

There is also a bidirectional ring data network that travels on both sides. In the ring topology, a ring server is not needed for network connectivity. It is a faster form of network. The devices can be added to the ring network, which does not impact its efficiency.

High-traffic or more extensive networks are connected in the form of ring topology. It is primarily used in the local area networks. Most ring topology connections are seen in colleges, schools, or offices.

Difference Between Star and Ring Topology

Star and ring topology are the kinds of computer networking used for local area network connectivity. There are a few differences between star and ring networks which are as follows.

In star topology, the computers are connected to a central hub called a server, and the data is sent to the hub or router, which is transferred to the destination device. In contrast, in a ring topology, the devices are connected on both sides, in which data transfer is unidirectional. The large number of devices in the ring topology can be connected.

Comparison Between Star and Ring Topology

Parameters	Star Topology	Ring Topology
Definition	Different devices are connected centrally to a hub or router in this network.	It is a network in which each device is connected to two devices on each side.
Efficiency	In a star network, the failure of the central hub can affect the entire network. While a single device cannot affect the whole system. It is a fast and simple network.	In a ring topology, the failure of one device can affect the whole network. It is slower than the star network and more complex in networking.
Data transfer	In the star network, the data must pass through the hub to the destination devices.	In most cases, data transfer is unidirectional in a ring topology.
Cost	It is a costly type of line network connection.	This network requires less cost than a star topology.
Usage	It is used in many airports, hospitals, and banking network systems.	It is used in educational institutions or where data transfer is unidirectional.
Troubleshooting	This kind of network is easy to troubleshoot.	This kind of network is difficult to troubleshoot.

References

1. Ahronovitz, E., Aubert, J.P. and Fiorio, C., 1995. The star-topology: a topology for image analysis. In DGCI: Discrete Geometry for Computer Imagery.
2. Li, X., 2009. Niching without niching parameters: particle swarm optimization using a ring topology. IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation, 14(1), pp.150-169.