Comparison of fiber-optic passive-star and ring networks in a computer-system environment

Potential applications of optical interconnects in a computer environment include multiprocessor interconnection, I/O buses, workstation clusters, room-area networks (RANs), and local-area networks (LANs). Although the fiber-optic star and ring topologies may appear to have widely different characteristics, the differences are more subtle in practice. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the specific characteristics of the application and the available technology. The primary advantage of the star is its inherent reliability, while its drawback is the transmission-overhead due to startup delays. The ring topology, although less reliable in theory, can be made more robust by many methods (at additional cost). A detailed analysis of the cost, performance, and reliability of the two networks with respect to the specific technologies used and the application environment is needed to determine the superiority of one over the other.