When a node needs to send data, it encapsulates the data into a data frame and adds the target node's address information to the frame. Then, the node sends the data frame onto the ring, where it passes through each node in sequence. Upon receiving the data frame, each node checks whether the target address in the frame matches its own address. If it matches, the node will receive and process the data frame; if not, the node will continue to forward the data frame to the next node until it reaches the target node or returns to the sending node after a full loop around the ring.

Node: A node is a device in a ring topology network. Computers, servers, printers, and other terminal devices, as well as routers and switches, can all act as nodes.
Link: The physical or logical channel connecting adjacent nodes, used for data transmission between nodes, connecting each node in sequence to form a closed loop.
Transmission Medium: The physical carrier for data transmission, affecting key factors such as speed, distance, reliability, and cost of data transmission.

1. Data is transmitted in a single direction, with a clear path, avoiding collisions.
2. All nodes share the same physical link (such as fiber optic or twisted pair), without the need for a central device.
3. Data transmission rights are controlled by a token, only the node holding the token can send data, ensuring orderly transmission.
4. A failure in any node or link may cause the entire loop to break, requiring redundancy designs (such as dual rings) to improve reliability.

The operating modes of ring topology mainly include two types: idle mode and busy mode.
In idle mode, nodes periodically send idle signals to inform other nodes that they are in an idle state.
In busy mode, nodes send data and receive data from other nodes.

In ring topology, each node is connected end-to-end through point-to-point links to form a closed loop. A single node failure may affect the entire network, but certain fault tolerance can be achieved through technologies like token ring; cable costs are relatively low, but maintenance costs are high, suitable for scenarios with high real-time requirements and a moderate number of nodes.
In star topology, the central node acts as the core, and data must be relayed through the central node. It has strong scalability and a single node failure does not affect other nodes, but a central node failure will cause the entire network to be interrupted, suitable for scenarios with high network reliability requirements and a large number of nodes.