MICRO-PROJECT REPORT ON

“Star And Ring Topology”

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING
(Fourth Semester)

In the Subject of
Data Communication And
Computer Network (22414)

Submitted By
1. Sahil R. Chavhan
2. Ghananil K. Shirpurkar
3. Spandan H. Deshmukh
4. Vaishnavi M. pandav
5. Mohini G. Deulkar
Submitted To

Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai (M.S)

Under the Guidance of
Lect. [Link]

Lecturer In
Department of Computer Engineering
Government Polytechnic Arvi Dist.-Wardha
(2023-2024)
 Government Polytechnic, Arvi.
Department of Computer Engineering

Certificate
This is to certify, that students whose name mention below of Fourth Semester
of Diploma in Computer Engineering has satisfactorily completed the Micro
project entitled “Star and Ring Topology” in Data Communication and
Computer Network for the academic year 2023-24 as Prescribed in MSBTE
curriculum.

Roll No. Name Enrollment No. Exam Seat No.

48 Sahil R. Chavhan 2201320317
51 Ghananil K. Shirpurkar 2201320320
52 Spandan H. Deshmukh 2201320321
56 Vaishnavi M. Pandav 2201320326
57 Mohini G. Deulkar 2201320327

Subject Teacher Head of Department Principal

[Link] Dr. M. A. Ali Dr. M. A. Ali

Place: Arvi
Date:
 Declaration

We undersigned hereby declare that, the micro project report entitled “Star

and Ring Topology” We further declare that contents of this report are

properly citied and well acknowledge. This present report is not submitted to

any other examination of this or any other institute for the award of any

diploma.

(Signature)

Place: Arvi

Date:

Government Polytechnic, Arvi

 Micro-Project Proposal
Star And Ring Topology

RATIONALE: -

The project on star and ring network topologies is undertaken to deepen

understanding of fundamental network architecture principles and their real-
world applications. By comparing the characteristics, advantages, and
disadvantages of star and ring topologies, the project aims to evaluate their
performance and suitability for various use cases. Through this exploration,
participants will develop problem-solving skills in network design and
optimization, contributing to ongoing research and innovation in the field of
networking. Overall, the project provides a comprehensive study of essential
networking concepts and practical implications, offering insights into both
theoretical foundations and practical applications in communication networks.

INTENDED COURSE OUTCOMES: -

1. Analyze the functioning of data communication and computer network.

2. relevant transmission media and switching techniques as per need.
3. Select Analyze the transmission errors with respect to IEEE standards.
4. Configure various networking devices.
5. Configure different TCP/IP service.

PROPOSED METHODOLOGY: -
• Understand the topic given to us.
• Discuss about the topic with group members.
• Divide the topic throughout each member of the group.
LITERATURE REVIEW: -
Network topologies play a crucial role in designing efficient communication
networks. The star topology is characterized by centralized hubs or switches,
offering easy management but vulnerability to hub failures. In contrast, the ring
topology facilitates data transmission in a circular path, providing resilience to
single point failures but potential bottlenecks. Comparing star and ring topologies
reveals trade-offs in scalability, fault tolerance, and cost. Recent literature
highlights advancements in networking technologies and explores real-world
applications of these topologies. Future research directions include optimizing
performance in the context of emerging technologies like IoT and edge computing.
Overall, understanding star and ring topologies is essential for designing robust
communication systems.

RESOURCES USED: -

Sr. Name of Specification Quantity Remarks

No Resources
1. Computer Computer (i3-i5 1
System preferable), RAM
minimum 2GB
2. Operating Windows 10 1
system
3. Browser Chrome 1
GROUP MEMBERS: -
[Link] Student name Signature

1 Sahil R. Chavhan

2 Ghananil K. Shirpurkar

3 Spandan H. Deshmukh

4 Vaishnavi M. Pandav

5 Mohini G. Deulkar
 ACTION PLAN: -

Sr. No Details of Activity Planned Planned Team

start date finish date Members
1 To discuss and get the
topic of micro project. All
2 Start planning on topic of micro
project. All
3 Collect information about our
topic. All
4 Distribute works within group
members. All
To start with creating with main
5 copy of microproject. All
Collect different information
6 about microproject. All
7 Initiate different views about
micro project. All
8 Editing process must be done
before hard copy. All
Check softcopy properly before
9 preparing of hardcopy. All
10 To start creating copy
properly. All
11 Checking the information from
monitor. All
12 Check the soft copy.
All
13 To present soft copy via
G-mail. All
Represented the hardcopy of
14 main micro project. All
 Star and Ring Topology

❖ Star Topology
A star network is an implementation of a spoke–hub distribution paradigm in
computer networks. In a star network, every host is connected to a central hub.
In its simplest form, one central hub acts as a conduit to transmit messages. The
star network is one of the most common computer network topologies.
The hub and hosts, and the transmission lines between them, form a graph with
the topology of a star. Data on a star network passes through the hub before
continuing to its destination. The hub manages and controls all functions of the
network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow.
The star topology reduces the impact of a transmission line failure by
independently connecting each host to the hub. Each host may thus
communicate with all others by transmitting to, and receiving from, the hub.
The failure of a transmission line linking any host to the hub will result in the
isolation of that host from all others, but the rest of the network will be
unaffected.
The main objective of this project is to discuss the advantages, disadvantages
and usage of star network topology. A topology is a physical structure of a
network. Star topology is a network structure comprising a central node to
which all other devices attached directly and through which all other devices
intercommunicate. The hub, leaf nodes and the transmission lines between them
form a graph with the topology of a star.

Star is one of the most and oldest common topology in the local area network.
The design of star topology comes from telecommunication system. In
telephone system all telephone calls are managed by the central switching
station. Just like in star topology each workstation of the network is connected
to a central node, which is known as a hub. Hub is a device where the whole
linking mediums come together. It is responsible of running all activities of the
network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. Generally when build a
network using two or more computers, you need a hub. It is possible to connect
two computers to each other directly without the need of a hub but when adding
a third computer in the network, we need a hub to allow a proper data
communication within the network. In a Star Network the whole network is
reliant on the hub.
 ❖ Working: -
Devices such as file server, workstation and peripheral are all linked to a hub.
All the data passes through the hub. When a packet comes to the hub it moves
that packet to all the nodes linked through the hub but only one node at a time
successfully transmits it. Data on a star network exceeds through the hub before
continuing to its target. Different types of cables are used to link computers
such as twisted pair, coaxial cable and fiber optics. The most common cable
media in use for star topologies is unshielded or shielded twisted pair copper
cabling. One end of the cable is plugged in local area network card while the
other side is connected with the hub.

Due to the centralization in star topology, it is easy to monitor and handle the
network making it more advantageous. Since the whole network is reliant on the
hub, if the whole network is not working then there could be a problem with the
hub. The hub makes it easy to troubleshoot by offering a single point for error
connection at the same time the reliance is also very high on that single point.
The central function is cost effective and easier to maintain.

Star topology also has some draw backs. If the hub encounters a problem, then
the whole network falls short. In a Star Network Topology, it is possible to have
all the important data backups on the hub in a private folder and this way if the
computer fails you can still use your data using the next computer in the
network and accessing the backup files on the hub.

The star configuration is commonly used with twisted pair cable and optical
fiber cable. However, it can also be used with coaxial cable as in, for example, a
route Let’s say one computer wants to send data to another computer.
The first computer will forward the information to the hub. The hub will then
check the address of the recipient computer, then forward the message on. But
the hub has no memory of its own, so when the first computer sends over the
information, the hub then needs to ask all the other computers and ports which
of them owns that address. This procedure is called Address Resolution
Protocol (or ARP for short).
Essentially it means that the hub can find the correct address of the recipient
computer and transfer the data to the right place. In terms of cables, star
topologies are sometimes implemented with Ethernet/cabled structures, wireless
routers, and other components. These additional nodes are clients, and all link
back to the central hub.
❖ Diagram: -

Fig: Star Topology

 ❖ Implementation: -

In the star topology, all computers and other network devices connect to a
central device called a hub or switch. Each connected device requires a single
cable to be connected to the hub, creating a point-to-point connection between
the device and the hub. Using a separate cable to connect to the hub allows the
network to be expanded without disruption to the network. A break in any
single cable will not cause the entire network to fail. Figure 1.5 provides an
example of a star topology. The star topology is the most widely implemented
network design in use today, but it is not without its shortcomings. Because all
devices connect to a centralized hub, this creates a single point of failure for the
network. If the hub fails, any device connected to it will not be able to access
the network. Because of the number of cables required and the need for
network devices, the cost of a star network is often higher than other
topologies. Table 1.4 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the star
topology.

❖ Advantages of star Topology: -

➢ It is very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others will
still work
➢ It is high-performing as no data collisions can occur
➢ Less expensive because each device only needs one I/O port and wishes
to be connected with hub with one link.
➢ Easier to put in
➢ Robust in nature
➢ Easy fault detection because the link is often easily identified.
➢ No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
➢ Each device requires just one port i.e. to attach to the hub.
➢ If N devices are connected to every other in star, then the number of
cables required to attach them is N. So, it’s easy to line up.
 ❖ Disadvantages of Star Topology: -

➢ Requires more cable than a linear bus.

➢ If the connecting network device (network switch) fails, nodes attached
are disabled and can’t participate in network communication.
➢ More expensive than linear bus topology due to the value of the
connecting devices (network switches)
➢ If hub goes down everything goes down, none of the devices can work
without hub.
➢ Hub requires more resources and regular maintenance because it’s the
central system of star.
➢ Extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost
➢ Performance is predicated on the one concentrator i.e. hub.

❖ Applications: -
1. Star Topology is the most common type of network topology that is used in
homes and offices. In the Star Topology there is a central connection point
called the hub which is a computer hub or sometimes just a switch. In a Star
Network the best advantage is when there is a failure in cable then only one
computer might get affected and not the entire network.

2. Star topology is used to ease the probabilities of network failure by

connecting all of the systems to a central node. This central hub
rebroadcasts all transmissions received from any peripheral node to all
peripheral nodes on the network, sometimes including the originating node.
All peripheral nodes may thus communicate with all others by transmitting
to, and receiving from, the central node only.

3. Star network is used to transmit data across the central hub between the
network nodes. When a packet comes to the hub it transfers that packet to
all nodes connected through a hub but only one node at a time successfully
transmits it.

4. In local area networks where the star topology is used, each machine is
connected to a central hub. In contrast to the bus topology, the star topology
allows each machine on the network to have a point-to-point connection to
the central hub and there is no single point of failure. All of the traffic
which transverses the network passes through the central hub.
❖ Conclusion: -
A star network is a local area network in which all computers are directly
connected to a common central computer. Every workstation is indirectly
connected to every other through the central computer. In some star networks,
the central computer can also operate as a workstation.

A Star Network Topology is best suited for smaller networks and works
efficiently when there is limited number of nodes. One has to ensure that the
hub or the central node is always working and extra security features should be
added to the hub because it s the heart of the network. To expand a star
topology network, you’ll need to add another hub and go to a “star of stars”
topology.

In a Star Network Topology it is possible to have all the important data backups
on the hub in a private folder and this way if the computer fails you can still use
your data using the next computer in the network and accessing the backup files
on the hub.
 ❖ Ring Topology
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.

Rings can be unidirectional, with all traffic travelling either clockwise or

anticlockwise around the ring, or bidirectional (as in SONET/SDH). Because a
unidirectional ring topology provides only one pathway between any two
nodes, unidirectional ring networks may be disrupted by the failure of a single
link.[1] A node failure or cable break might isolate every node attached to the
ring. In response, some ring networks add a "counter-rotating ring" (C- Ring) to
form a redundant topology: in the event of a break, data are wrapped back onto
the complementary ring before reaching the end of the cable, maintaining a
path to every node along the resulting C-Ring. Such "dual ring" networks
include the ITU-T's PSTN telephony systems network Signalling System No. 7
(SS7), Spatial Reuse Protocol, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and
Resilient Packet Ring. IEEE 802.5 networks – also known as IBM Token Ring
networks – avoid the weakness of a ring topology altogether: they actually use
a star topology at the physical layer and a media access unit (MAU) to imitate a
ring at the datalink layer.

A ring topology is a network configuration where device connections create a

circular data path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points
on a circle. Together, devices in a ring topology are referred to as a ring
network.
In a ring network, packets of data travel from one device to the next until they
reach their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to travel only in one
direction, called a unidirectional ring network. Others permit data to move in
either direction, called bidirectional. The major disadvantage of a ring topology
is that if any individual connection in the ring is broken, the entire network is
affected. Ring topologies may be used in either LANs (local area networks) or
WANs (wide area networks). Depending on the network card used in each
computer of the ring topology, a coaxial cable or an RJ- 45 network cable is
used to connect computers together.
There are two types of the Ring Topology based on the data flow:

• Unidirectional
• Bidirectional
A Unidirectional ring topology handles data traffic in either clockwise or
anticlockwise direction. This data network, thus, can also be called as a half-
duplex network. A Unidirectional ring topology is thus easy to maintain
compared to the bidirectional ring topology.
Ex: SONET network, SDH network etc.
A SONET/ SDH is a standardized network protocol that transfers data
streams over optical fibers. Whereas, a bidirectional ring topology handles
data traffic in both the direction and can be a full-duplex network.

❖ Working: -

In a ring network each device (workstation, server, printer) is connected to

two other devices this forms a ring for the signals to travel around. Each
packet of data on the network travels in one direction and each device receives
each packet in turn until the destination device receives it. When the data is
needed to reach at a specific node, then the data packet goes through each of
the intermediate nodes in the ring topology network and when it reaches the
destination node, it gets copied at that system.

And when the data packet (after the packet passes through each node or in a
full circle) it gets returned to the sender’s node, and ultimately gets removed
from the transmission source station.

Moreover, the nodes of ring topology have equal access to network media. But
this builds a conflict situation i.e. if one of the nodes (or system) fails to
transmit the data through itself, the entire network gets failed.

Carefully consider the following picture for a better understanding of working

Information about Ring Topology. The picture shows a Ring Network of six
computers. For your convenience, there is an anti-clockwise numbering of
devices. But you can assign numbers in clockwise direction too. There is
absolutely nothing to worry about it. When no device is communicating, Token
will be circulating through the Network. Let us suppose that in this scenario,
Token is c i r c u l a t i n g i n a n t i -clockwise d i r e c t i o n . Suppose Computer-
1 (Sender) wants to send data message to Computer-5 (Receiver). The whole
communication will take place in the following steps:
1. Sender will request for Token assignment for initiating communication.

2. If Token is available then it will be assigned to Sender, otherwise Sender

has to wait for Token to become available. Suppose Token is free and
assigned to Sender.

3. Sender will now have the charge of the whole Ring Network. Sender will
attach the Receiver address with the data message and send it.

4. The message will travel in anti-clockwise direction. Hence, it will pass

through the the computers numbered 2, 3 and 4.

5. Each of these computers will receive the data message and check the
destination address. For instance, Computer-2 will receive the data message
first and check the destination address.

6. If the current computer address and destination address are not same then
the computer forwards the data message to the next computer. For
instance, again, Computer-2 will check the destination address.
Destination address is Computer-5. So, the addresses don`t match and
Computer-2 will forward the message to Computer-3. Same process will be
repeated at each computer.

7. If the current computer address matches the destination address, then the
computer will keep the data and release the Token. For example, at
Computer-5, both current address and destination address are the same. So,
Computer-5 will keep the the data and release the Token.
❖ Diagram: -

Fig : Ring Topology

❖ Implementation: -
In this section, I am going to write down different steps for constructing Ring
Topology in Cisco Packet Tracer. I will also be explaining each and every step
for your proper understanding. I will demonstrate every step with the help of
picture. This will help you in enhancing your learning. But before beginning
this tutorial you should fulfill following requirements:

Place Computers on Drawing Area (Step 1)

In this step you will need to place Computers or Computing Devices on the
main drawing area. You can find Computers easily in the tools menu (bottom
left corner). In the tools menu, find ‘End Devices’ option to find Computing
Devices. There are plenty of end devices like Server, Laptop, Desktop, Tablet
PC and many more that you can use. Click on the end device you want to use.
After clicking on the device place your pointer on the drawing area. After that
click again. You will see clearly that device is placed on the drawing area.
Repeat this same process for placing any number of end devices you want. As
described earlier I have placed only four Desktop Computers for the sake of
convenience.

Draw Switches on Drawing Area (Step 2)

You can`t connect computers directly with each other. You obviously need an
intermediate device that will serve this purpose. There are variety of options
available in Cisco Packet Tracer Toolbox. For example, you have separate
sections labelled as Routers, Switches, Hubs and Wireless Devices in the tool’s
menu. Each of these devices have specialized usage. Hub and Switch are two
suitable devices for making Ring Topology Network in Cisco Packet Tracer. I
will be using a Switch for this purpose. Now, draw four Switch Devices from
the tool’s menu using the same process you used while drawing computers.

Create Communication Links (Step 3)

So far, we have just placed Computers and Switches. It is is evident from
picture that there is no Communication Channel between these devices. For
communication to occur, we must have a proper communication link or channel.
In this step we will be creating communication link between each pair of
computers and its corresponding switch. We will connect PC0 with Switch0,
PC1 with Switch1 and so on. I will use standard Un-shielded Twisted Pair
(UTP) Cable or Ethernet Cable for this purpose. In order to find Ethernet Cable
go to icon labelled as ‘Connections’ in Cisco Packet Tracer Tools Menu. There
are plenty of cable types in this menu. However, you will not any cable named
Ethernet Cable. In Packet Tracer, an Ethernet Cable is named as ‘Copper
Cable’. Moreover, you will find two options for this cable type:

1. Straight-Trough
2. Cross-Over
Connect Computer to Switch
• Select Ethernet Straight-Through from Cisco Packet Tracer Tool
Menu. This is easily done by clicking on the designated cable icon.

• After selecting cable type, move to drawing area. Click on the

Computer and you will be able to see option menu. As we are
working with Ethernet Cable so we will select Fast Ethernet from the
menu. You will be able to see a black colored line along-with mouse
pointer.

❖ Advantages of Ring topology:

➢ In this data flows in one direction which reduces the chance of

packet collisions.
➢ In this topology additional workstations can be added after
without impacting performance of the network.
➢ Equal access to the resources.
➢ There is no need of server to control the connectivity among the nodes
in the topology.
➢ It is cheap to install and expand.
➢ Minimum collision.
➢ Speed to transfer the data is very high in this type of topology.
➢ Easy to manage.
➢ Cost-effective
➢ High speed
❖ Disadvantages of Ring topology: -

➢ Due to the Uni-directional Ring, a data packet (token) must have to pass
through all the nodes.
➢ If one workstation shuts down, it affects whole network or if a node
goes down entire network goes down.
➢ It is slower in performance as compared to the bus topology
➢ It is Expensive.
➢ Addition and removal of any node during a network is difficult and
may cause issue in network activity.
➢ Difficult to troubleshoot the ring.
➢ In order for all the computer to communicate with each other, all
computer must be turned on.
➢ Total dependence in on one cable.
➢ They were not Scalable.
➢ Difficult to Adding/removing of nodes:

APPLICATION: -
Typically, you will not find Ring Topology Examples in real life now-a-days
because it is massively replaced by Star Network. However, one of the
common examples that still exists is SONET Rings. SONET stands for
Synchronous Optical Networking. It uses Fiber Optic Cables for heavy load
data transfers for long distances. You can simply think SONET to be Fiber
Optic Cable Ring Topology. It is highly reliable Computer Network for
synchronizing various branch offices of a multi-national company. Due to the
use of Fiber Optic Cable, it provides the best data transfer speeds. SONET is
one of the most popular Applications of Ring Topology.

CONCLUSION: -
A star network is an implementation of a spoke–hub distribution paradigm in
computer networks. In a star network, every host is connected to a central hub.
In its simplest form, one central hub acts as a conduit to transmit messages. The
star network is one of the most common computer network topologies. 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.