Distinguish between star and ring network

Ring Topology

• Cable forms closed ring or loop with all computers and devices arranged along ring.
• Data Travels from device to device around entire ring, in one direction.
• Primarily is used for LAN's but also is used in WAN's.

Advantages:

• Data is quickly transferred.
• The transmission of data is relatively simple as packages travel in one direction only. 

Disadvantages:

• Data packets must pass through every computer between the sender and recipient therefore, this makes it slower.
• If any of the nodes fail then the ring is broken and data cannot be transmitted successfully.
•  It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring.

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Ring Topology

Star Topology

• All devices connect to a central device, called hub.
• All data transferred from one computer to another passes through hub. 

Advantages:

• Easy to install and wire.
• Security can be implement in the hub/switch.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages:

• Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
• More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the concentrators. 

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Star Topology