In a network using a logical ring topology, messages travel sequentially from one device (node) to the next in a circular fashion until they reach the intended recipient. Each node receives the message from its predecessor, checks if it is the destination, and if not, forwards it to the next node in the ring. This process continues around the ring until the message arrives at the correct device

. Typically, the network uses a token-passing mechanism to control transmission rights. A special control packet called a token circulates around the ring. A node must wait to receive the token before it can send data. When a node has the token, it attaches its data and destination address to the token and sends it on. The data frame then passes through each node in turn, which regenerates and forwards the frame until it reaches the destination. The destination node copies the data and lets the frame continue until it returns to the sender, who then removes the frame and releases a new token for other nodes to use

. Data flow is usually unidirectional-either clockwise or counterclockwise-and each node acts as an active repeater, amplifying and forwarding messages to maintain signal integrity

. Some ring topologies implement redundancy with bidirectional data flow to improve fault tolerance

. In summary, messages in a logical ring topology travel in a fixed sequence from node to node, controlled by token passing to avoid collisions and ensure orderly communication around the ring