What is the primary characteristic of a ring topology?

The primary characteristic of a ring topology is that all devices are connected in a circular or ring formation. In this configuration, each device is connected to two other devices, forming a closed loop. This layout allows data to be transmitted in one direction around the ring or in both directions, depending on the implementation.

In a ring topology, the data packet travels from one device to the next until it reaches its intended destination. The circular design helps ensure that each device has equal access to the network and can minimize the chance of data collisions, which may occur in other configurations. This structure is distinct from other topologies where devices might be interconnected in a different manner, such as in a star topology, where devices connect to a central hub, or in a bus topology, where devices share a single communication line.