12 Ring Topology Examples and Templates You Can Use Today

Updated on: 21 January 2026 | 4 min read
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12 Ring Topology Examples and Templates You Can Use Today

A ring network topology connects devices in a circular loop so each node links to exactly two neighbors, forming a closed path for data to travel either unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Ring topologies can be simple logical designs or part of hybrid network setups — they’re valuable for planning, documentation and troubleshooting network traffic paths.

Best Ring Topology Diagrams for Network Design

1. Basic ring network topology diagram

Simple circular layout where each node connects to two neighbors, representing the core ring communication pattern used in traditional ring networks.

Diagram of a basic ring network topology showing devices connected in a closed loop
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Basic Ring Network Topology Diagram

2. Ring topology with EIGRP

A ring network with routed connections using Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) — ideal for illustrating dynamic routing in a ring context.

Ring topology diagram with EIGRP illustrating routing paths between interconnected network devices
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Ring Topology with EIGRP

3. Basic star-ring topology

Hybrid structure combining ring connections with star-style node clusters, useful for showing intermediate central points without losing ring continuity.

Diagram of a basic star-ring topology combining star connections within a ring structure
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Basic Star-Ring Topology

4. Ring network topology

A classic ring diagram with evenly spaced nodes forming a loop — great for teaching core topology concepts

Visual of a ring network topology showing nodes connected in a circular configuration
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Ring Network Topology

5. Star-ring hybrid topology example

Depicts multiple star segments linked in a ring, a common enterprise hybrid topology to balance central control with looped resilience.

Example of a star-ring hybrid topology showing star networks linked together in a ring
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Star-Ring Hybrid Topology Example

6. Star-ring hybrid topology diagram

Another variant showing how star clusters wrap into a continuous ring for redundancy or segmented network planning.

Diagram of a star-ring hybrid topology illustrating how star segments connect to form a ring
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Star-Ring Hybrid Topology Diagram

7. Simple star-ring hybrid topology template

User-friendly hybrid template blending the simplicity of star topologies with the connectedness of a ring.

Simple star-ring hybrid topology template showing a basic layout of combined star and ring networks
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Simple Star-Ring Hybrid Topology Template

8. Ring topology in Cisco

A more technical diagram showing Cisco-style network elements in a ring layout — useful for vendor-specific network design.

Ring topology diagram in a Cisco network environment showing interconnected network devices
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Ring Topology in Cisco

9. Ring topology

Another ring example with possibly different visual emphasis (node types, labels) for diverse documentation needs.

Diagram of a ring topology illustrating data flow between connected network nodes
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Ring Topology Template

10. Token ring local area network diagram

Classic token ring layout showing token-passing roles — particularly good for explaining logical ring access methods.

Token Ring local area network diagram showing computers connected in a ring-based LAN
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Token Ring Local Area Network Diagram

11. Star wired ring network topology

Star topology nodes wired into a ring at the backbone level — a design often seen when combining physical star wiring with logical ring communication.

Star-wired ring network topology diagram showing star-connected nodes arranged in a logical ring
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Star-Wired Ring Network Topology

12. Star-ring hybrid topology diagram

A clear example of a hybrid network where star-configured segments connect through a ring backbone, combining centralized control with continuous data flow.

Star-ring hybrid topology diagram showing a mixed network structure combining star and ring layouts
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Star-Ring Hybrid Topology

FAQs About Examples of Ring Topology Network Diagrams

What is the best network diagram tool to create a ring topology diagram?

Creately is a strong option for creating ring topology diagrams because it offers ready-made ring and hybrid network templates, drag-and-drop network symbols, and easy customization. You can quickly edit, label, and share diagrams without starting from scratch, making it suitable for both learning and professional documentation.

Can I customize Creately’s ring topology templates?

Yes. You can add, remove, or resize network nodes, change icons (routers, switches, computers), adjust link directions, apply color coding, and insert explanatory text — all within Creately’s drag-and-drop editor.

Can I use Creately to plan or present real network designs?

Absolutely. Creately diagrams are suitable for network planning, IT documentation, teaching, and presentations. You can export the diagrams, embed them into documents or slides, and keep them updated as your network evolves.

Does Creately support collaboration on ring topology diagrams?

Creately supports real-time collaboration, so teams can work together on the same network diagram. This is especially useful when multiple stakeholders (network engineers, IT managers, instructors) need to contribute or review a ring topology design.

How do I start with a ring topology template in creately?

Just open any ring or hybrid network example, then use the editor to replace example text and icons with your own device names, roles, and connection types. Creately’s intuitive interface makes it easy even for beginners.

Author
Amanda Athuraliya
Amanda Athuraliya Communications Specialist

Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

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