Ring Network-

                In the network, the entire computer joined in logical circle.  Data travels around the circle and passes through each computer.  In a physical layout, a ring network appears to be the same layout as a star network.  The key difference is the connection unit known as a Multi-Station Access Unit (MAU).  Within the MAU, data signals are passed in a ring a Multi-Station Access Unit (MAU).  Within the MAU, data signals are passed in a ring from one host to the next.

                Data is transmitted around the ring is using a method called token passing.  When a host needs to transmit data, it modifies the token with the MAC address of the destination host.  The data passes by each computer until it reaches the destination host.  The destination host modifies the token of indicate that data was received successfully.  After the sending host verifies that the data was received, the frame is removed from the network.  The token is released so that another host on the network can transmit data.

                Only a single token exists in a ring topology network.  If a client wants to transmit data and the token is in use, he must wait.  Although this sounds inefficient, the token travels at a very fast rate.  If the total cable length for network is 400 meters, a token can circle this ring around 5,000 times per second.