Dual Ring topology

If a device in a normal ring topology based network fails, the entire network fails. To overcome this, a secondary data path is provided. A dual ring topology has two rings instead of a single ring as in ring topology. The two rings are called as the "primary ring" and the "secondary ring". The secondary ring provides redundancy in case of a failure in first ring, and also can serve as an additional data path.

Dual ring brings redundancy in ring topology. Ring topology is half-duplex. In half-duplex ring topology, data can move only in a direction. In dual ring topology, by adding an additional ring, the network can become full-duplex. Means that, one ring operates in one direction and the other ring in opposite direction.

Main advantage of dual ring topology over traditional ring topology is that dual ring topology provides redundant paths in networks. Redundant paths provide more stability and security in networks. Also, the second ring can provide an additional data path.