The ring topology is actually a logical ring, meaning that the data travels in circular fashion from one computer to another on the network. It is not a physical ring topology.

In a ring topology, packets are sent around the circle from computer to computer. Each computer looks at each packet to decide whether the packet was intended for it. If not, the packet is passed on to the next computer in the ring.

In a true ring topology, if a single computer or section of cable fails, there is an interruption in the signal. The entire network becomes inaccessible.

Network disruption can also occur when computers are added or removed from the network, making it an impractical network design in environments where there is constant change to the network.

Ring networks are most commonly wired in a star configuration. In a Token Ring network, a multistation access unit is equivalent to a hub or switch on an Ethernet network.

The multistation access unit performs the token circulation internally.

To create the complete ring, the ring in  port on each MSAU is connected to the ring out  port on another multistation access unit . The last multistation access unit in the ring is then connected to the first, to complete the ring.