In this guide, we will discuss the differences between Star and Ring Topologies.
Star Topology:
In Star topology each device in the network is connected to a central device called hub. If one device wants to send data to other device in the network, it has to first send the data to hub and then the hub transmit that data to the designated device.
The central device is known as hub and other devices connected to hub are called clients.
Ring Topology:
In ring topology each device is connected with immediate left-side and right-side devices. This structure forms a ring thus it is known as ring topology.
If a device wants to send data to another device then it sends the data in one direction, each device in ring topology has a repeater, if the received data is intended for other device then repeater forwards this data until the intended device receives it.
Difference between Star and Ring Topology
| Star Topology | Ring Topology |
|---|---|
| 1. In Star topology, the devices are not directly connected to another device, they all are connected to the hub. | In Ring topology, the each device is connected to the immediate left-side and right-side devices. |
| 2. In Star topology, failure in hub can interrupt the communication of whole network. However, the individual device failure doesn’t affect the other devices on the network. | In Ring topology, a device failure interrupt the communication of whole network as the signal will not travel forward due to failure. |
| 3. More cables are required in Star Topology compared to Ring topology. | Ring topology requires less cables compared to Star topology. |
| 4. The cost of setting up the Star topology network is high compared to Ring topology. | The set up cost is comparatively lower than Star Topology. |
| 5. Adding new device on the Star Topology network is easy and it doesn’t interrupt the communication of other devices in the network. This is because new device addition just requires a connection from this device to the hub. | Adding new device in Ring topology is not possible without interrupting the communication of other devices as in order to add new device, the communication must be broken. |
| 6. Star topology is suitable for Local Area Network (LAN). | Ring topology is suitable for Wide Area Network (WAN). |
| 7. Data transfer speed in Star topology is high. | Data transfer speed is comparatively slower in ring topology. |
| 8. Removal of device from the Star topology network is comparatively easier. | Removal of a device from Ring topology network is difficult. |
| 9. Star topology requires n number of cables to connect n devices on the network. | Ring topology also requires n number of cables to connect n devices. |
| 10. Troubleshooting is easier in Star topology. | Troubleshooting is quite difficult in Ring topology. |
| 11. In Star topology, maintenance requires less time and resources. | In Ring topology, maintenance requires more time and resources. Also, it is relatively difficult to perform maintenance in the network based on Ring topology. |