Ring Topology

Correct Answer: Perform a network health check and identify problem devices

The best way to handle slow speeds in a Ring Topology network with light traffic would be to perform a network health check and identify problem devices. This is due to the fact that in a ring topology network, each device has a direct connection with only the two neighboring devices. Therefore, if there are any slow speeds or performance issues, it could be because of a problem with one or more devices on the network. By performing a health check, you could identify the problematic devices and take appropriate steps to fix the issue. Increasing the token rotation time wouldn't be a viable solution in this case, as it could lead to inefficiencies and delays in data transmission. Adding additional devices to the network would likely compound the problem by increasing network traffic. Finally, rebooting the network router might not solve the issue if the problem lies in the devices themselves, hence it is less likely to be the best solution.

Correct Answer: A device failure on the problem workstation

In a ring topology, each device (node) is connected to two other devices, forming a circular pathway for signals. If one workstation cannot send or receive data, the most likely cause is a device failure on the problem workstation itself. This is because in ring topology, data transmission is dependent on the functionality of each individual node. If a node fails, it can disrupt data transmission in the entire network unless the network has a dual ring or a 'ring in-ring' topology to provide redundancy. The other answers are incorrect because: 'A general breakdown in the entire network' would likely affect more than one workstation, not a single one. 'A token lost on the network' would prevent any data from being sent across the network, not just on one node. 'A device failure on an adjacent workstation' could potentially disrupt the network, but it is less likely than a failure on the problematic workstation itself because the data transmission would be stopped at the point of failure, affecting communication with the adjacent nodes.

Correct Answer: Inspect the token and replace if necessary

In Ring Topology, a token circulates over the network and gives permission to each computer to send information. If there are dropped data packets, it may mean that the token is corrupted and needs to be inspected or replaced. Switching to a new network topology or restarting the network nodes does not necessarily solve packet loss issues, and restricting network access to certain devices might be a solution, but it does not directly address the specified problem of dropped packets.