WHAT IS RING NETWORK?

A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node – a ring. Data travels from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.

A ring network is a network topology in which every computer is connected to two computers one on each side. The computers are connected in such a way that it forms a ring shape. Data flows from source computer to destination computer bypassing from in between computers. The nodes (computers) are connected to form a closed path. The last computer is connected to the first computer making a closed path. The ring topology is shown in the diagram below

Examples of ring topology:

• Network in Small buildings
• Network in schools
• Networking in offices
• SONET network
• SDH network

What are ring networks used for?

Ring network topologies are used when a simple network is needed. They are suitable for locations that do not rely on very high data-transfer speeds, and where the network is unlikely to alter in size or structure. For example, a small office with only a few nodes may use a ring network topology.

Features of Ring Topology

1.A number of repeaters are used and the transmission is unidirectional.2.Date is transferred in a sequential manner that is bit by bit.

Why is a ring network more secure than a bus?I

n Ring topology each device is connected to two other devices in a circular fashion. Bus topology is a topology where each device is connected to a single cable which is known as the backbone. … Tracking fault is easy in Ring topology than Bus topology. It is difficult to find fault in Bus topology.

The only computer with an empty token can send the data to the network. The token is passed to the whole network and the destination computer which matches the token address will receive the data. Suppose computer A wants to send data to computer C. So the first computer A waits for empty token. When computer A gets an empty token then it attaches the address of computer C and other data with the token. The token then passes to computer B. The token is checked by computer B and the address does not match so it passes the token to computer C. The address matches with computer C so the token is received and other data is also received and then the empty token is passed to the next computer.

Data from one computer to another computer passes in one direction or both direction. If data passes in a uni-directional way then it is known as half-duplex. In half-duplex only one computer can send or receives data at a time. If data passes in both direction in the ring network then it is known as full-duplex.

Some pros and cons of ring topology are explained below:-

Advantages of ring topology:

Some features of ring topology are:

Cost-effective:

There is no need for a server computer to make the network. All computers behave the same and have the same processing power. It is also easy to set up, install and expand computers in the network. Ring topology is economic as compared to a hybrid, mesh, and tree topology.

High speed:

The data flow clockwise or anticlockwise which mean it flows unidirectionally. If data flows in one direction then the speed of data transfer is high. Also, data is transferred in the form of data packets (tokens) so the speed of data is high.

No collision:

There is no collision of data. One computer with the empty token can transfer data in the network. So all computers have to wait to get a token. If a node gets a token then that computer can only transfer data making it collision-free.

Robust:

Many nodes can be connected to the network making it robust. Ring topology can support as many nodes as it can adjust.

Resource balance:

The network resources are equally distributed among the network. All computers are given token equally and all computers share the data and resources equally.

Repeaters:

The network can expand with more nodes with the help of repeaters and boosters. The repeaters can boost the data and data can travels in the long distance also.

Maintenance:

The maintenance of ring topology is easy as compared to bus topology. There is no need for an administrator computer to control the network. Troubleshooting in this network is also easy and cable damage can be easily noticed in the ring topology.

Disadvantages of ring topology:

Some drawbacks of ring topology are:

Adding/removing of nodes:

It is difficult to add/remove the node in ring topology because it will stop working on the network. As data flows from one computer to other so adding a new node can stop the network. Also removing any node will temporary stops the data flow in the network.

The token is required:

All nodes require a token to send/receive data. So all the computers have to wait for the empty token to reach them.

Slow than Ethernet:

Ring topology is slower in performance than Ethernet network. Ring network uses coaxial cable or RJ-45 cable which is slower than Ethernet cable.

Cable/node damage:

If cable damage then the whole network stops working. Also if any node disconnects due to any problem then the whole network cease.

Old technology:

Ring topology was the first time used to network IBM computers. Nowadays LAN become high speed and there is no need for ring topology and it is old now.

Performance:

A ring network is slower than bus topology.  Ring topology is also difficult to scale. All computers have to be turned on to keep the network working.

HOW TO CHANGE RING NETWORK SETTINGS

How to Reconnect Your Ring Device to Wifi or Change Your Wifi Network

If your Ring device gets disconnected from your wifi network, it’s usually easy to get reconnected via the Ring app.  

There are two major reasons why a Ring device may go offline. Either the device is having power issues or something happened to your network.

• Power Issues
  • For a battery-operated device, that could mean the device’s battery is low, or drained.
  • For a powered-device, that could mean that the device has temporarily lost power.
• Network Issues 
  • There may have been a power surge or power outage and your device is not reconnecting.
  • The internet connection is not working properly.
  • The wifi network password may have changed.

Troubleshooting Steps

Check the Ring app

You can manually reconnect your Ring device back to your wifi network by following these steps:

• Open up the Ring app and tap on the three lines on the top left.
• Look for Devices in the list on the left side of the screen. 
• Tap Devices.
• Select the device (camera, doorbell, etc.) you need to reconnect to wifi.
  • Use the same process to change to a new wifi network.
  • Use the same process to reconnect multiple Ring devices to wifi.
• Tap on Device Health on the bottom of the screen.
• Tap on Reconnect to Wifi or Change Wifi Network.

Note: Once your device is reconnected to wifi, you can return to this screen to see your wifi Signal Strength under Network. 

Ring Chime Pro Network

The Ring Chime Pro acts as a wifi extender as well as an internal doorbell. When you are reconnecting a device that has lost its connection to wifi, you can connect to a chime pro network if you have set one up. Instead of choosing the name of your home wifi network when you are reconnecting, you can choose the Chime Pro Network.    

Check Your Device’s Power Supply

If your device is battery-operated, check to see whether your battery has run out of charge.

• Open up the Ring app and tap on the three lines on the top left.
• Look for Devices in the list on the left side of the screen. 
• Tap Devices.
• Select the device (camera, doorbell, etc.) you want to check.
• Tap on Device Health on the bottom of the screen. 
• Look for Power Status to check the battery charge.  

If you have a hardwired device without a battery, check to make sure the device is receiving power in the Device Health section of the Ring app.

• Open up the Ring app and tap on the three lines on the top left.
• Look for Devices in the list on the left side of the screen. 
• Tap Devices.
• Select the device (camera, doorbell, etc.) you want to check.
• Tap on Device Health on the bottom of the screen. 
• Look for Power Status to check the power.  

Note: Another simple troubleshooting step is to reboot your router by temporarily unplugging your router for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in again.    

Other Causes of Not Connecting to or Getting Disconnected from Wifi 

• Your wifi network name changed and/or your wifi network password changed.
• You upgraded from a 2.4 GHz network to a 5 GHz network and your Ring device can’t “find” the 5 GHz network because your device is not compatible with 5GHz. In this case, connect to a 2.4 GHz network instead. 
  • You can find a list of Ring devices that are compatible with 5 GHz at the bottom of this page.  
• Your wifi network password has special characters or symbols in it, such as a pound sign (#) or exclamation mark (!). You can work with your Internet Service Provider to change the password to eliminate the special character.
• Wires might have come loose. After you temporarily disconnect the power, check all of the wires leading into the device to make sure they’re snugly seated. 
• Check your breaker box. You may have blown a fuse and need to reset the device at the breaker.
• If you have a device such as a Floodlight Cam, connected to a light switch or a timer, make sure that the switch is set to “on” and that the timer is working properly.

Ring Devices that are Compatible with 5 GHz Networks

Doorbells and security cameras not on the list below will need to be connected to a 2.4 GHz network.  

Doorbells

• Ring Video Doorbell 3
• Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
• Ring Video Doorbell 4
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
• Ring Video Doorbell Elite

Security Cameras

• Floodlight Cam Wired Pro

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