Ring topology: structure, use and benefits for modern networks

The most important thing in brief:

A modern manufacturing company connects its machine controls at two locations via an intelligent fibre-optic network in ring topology. The advantages are obvious: Data is transmitted reliably, evenly and fail-safe — even if a connection should fail, the opposite direction automatically takes over the data flow. This practice shows how a well-thought-out network structure increases efficiency, minimizes downtime and relieves the IT department.

What is a ring topology?

Die Ring topology (also as Ring topology written) is a network structure in which each station is connected to exactly two other stations. The data packets move in one direction — in circles — from one device to the next until they reach their destination.

In contrast to star or bus topology, this creates a closed circuit that can efficiently regulate data traffic. This structure is primarily used in industrial networks, token ring networks or certain fiber optic networks.

Why is the choice of topology important?

Choosing the right topology influences:

• Reliability and fault tolerance of the network
• maintenance costs and troubleshoot
• scalability and Cost structure

Especially in business-critical areas, such as in production or at distributed locations, it must be clear how the devices are connected to each other — both physically and logically. The ring topology here has specific strengths, but also weaknesses.

Advantages and disadvantages of ring topology

advantages:

• Equal data flow: No preference for individual nodes
• Deterministic communication: Particularly important in industrial networks (e.g. Profibus or Token Ring)
• Easy expansion: Additional nodes can be added without major restructuring
• Minor collisions: Through the token passing mechanism (with active ring networks)

Disadvantages:

• Vulnerability if individual nodes fail (except for redundant design)
• Troubleshooting can be complexif the topology is not documented
• Performance issues due to high data volumes

Practical relevance: Where is ring topology still used today?

Even though Ethernet-based networks dominate star topology today, Ring topology is still used in specific application scenarios:

• In production plants: e.g. when controlling the machine via Profinet or Modbus
• In fiber optic networks with FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)
• In backbone connections, in which a redundant ring structure ensures fail-safe

In modern networks, ring topology is often combined with self-healing mechanisms: If a connection fails, the opposite direction takes over the data flow. However, this requires exact documentation — and this is where Docusnap comes in.

‍

Implementation: How do I plan a ring topology correctly?

1. Check the use case

• Does a ring topology make sense for your requirements?
• Are there fail-safe requirements, e.g. as part of ISO 27001 or industry-specific IT security catalogs (e.g. BSI)?

2. Planning the network components

• Which devices should be integrated into the ring?
• Do you need active components with ring support (such as switches with RSTP)?

3. Consider redundancy

• Is a Dual Ring foreseen?
• Is a reverse direction activated in the event of a failure?

4. Documentation with Docusnap

• Capture the topology automatically with Docusnap's network discovery
• Maintain network plans and use the topology diagrams function
• Use the inventorying to record the hardware used

Important implementation notes

• Documenting interfaces: Clearly record connections between VLANs or subnets
• Map IP address concepts: Particularly important in connection with redundant paths
• Record firmware and software versions of Ring components

Structured network documentation helps to keep track of changes, and to be able to react quickly in the event of an error.

‍

The role of Docusnap in planning and documenting ring topologies

In complex networks, automated recognition and visualization of the network structure is crucial. With Docusnap, IT managers get a tool that:

• Agentless networks scans
• Physical and logical topologies visualized
• represents connections between hosts and switches
• Detects and logs changes in the network

Especially with ring topologies, this helps to identify potential single points of failure (SPOFs), plan redundant connections and quickly localize the cause in the event of a failure.

Example: Error analysis in a ring network with Docusnap

A company with production sites A and B uses a fiber optic ring connection between several switches. A loss of connection results in downtime. Thanks to Docusnap, the administrator can immediately see which route is affected, how the redirection is taking place and which systems are affected. The graphical presentation of the ring topology and the connection routes ensures quick response times and well-founded decisions.

Conclusion: Using ring topology efficiently and documenting it in a structured manner

Ring topology is still a relevant concept today — particularly in special areas of application such as industrial automation or fiber optic backbones. Its strengths lie in the uniform distribution of data and the structured connection of network components.

At the same time, it requires very precise planning and complete documentation in order to be able to react quickly in the event of an error. As a professional IT documentation software, Docusnap offers significant added value here: From recognition to visualization to change monitoring. Because only those who know their network topology can operate it efficiently and securely.