Dual-Ring Topology

What Does Dual-Ring Topology Mean?

Dual-ring topology is a network redundant topology where nodes are connected using two concentric rings with four branches. Dual-ring topology is ideal for applications with cabling issues or small networks that are not frequently reconfigured.

Though more expensive than star or extended star topologies, dual-ring is the most cost-efficient redundant topology.

Techopedia Explains Dual-Ring Topology

Dual-ring topology is made up of two rings connected to a network. Each ring works independently until one is disabled when the network fails. When this takes place, the functioning ring automatically wraps around the disabled ring to ensure data flow.

Ring topology advantages include:

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  • Speed and reliability
  • Uninterrupted long distance communication
  • Terminators are not required

Ring topology disadvantages include:

  • Network issues from bad ports or malfunctioning Media Access Unit (MAU) cards
  • Negative network impact from any added,altered or damaged device
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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…