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--- products:ict:communications:lans:ethernet [2024/03/29 22:23] – wikiadmin
+++ products:ict:communications:lans:ethernet [2024/03/29 22:24] (current) – wikiadmin
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 [[https://slaptijack.com/networking/max-spanning-tree-stp-diameter.html|
 Max Spanning Tree (STP) Diameter]]
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 [[https://www.ieee802.org/1/files/public/docs2006/avb-azarov-distortion-quantify-060816.pdf|
 Quantifying stream distortion in 7-hop Fast Ethernet network - Max Azarov]]
+**Daisy-chaining** network switches is a common practice, especially when you need to connect multiple devices. While there isn't a strict hard limit on how many switches you can daisy chain, practical considerations come into play. Let's explore this further:
+. **No Hard Limit**: There is no fixed maximum number of switches you can daisy chain. In some cases, networks have spanned across **dozens of switches** without issues¹. However, the actual limit depends on various factors.
+. **Quality and Hardware**: The quality of your switches matters. High-quality switches with robust hardware can handle more daisy chaining. Cheaper switches might have limitations. Consider using **managed switches** for better control and monitoring.
+. **Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)**: The STP, which prevents loops in Ethernet networks, has a default limit of **7 hops** (switches). Beyond this, you might encounter issues. If you're approaching this limit, consider breaking up your network into **VLANs** (Virtual LANs) to manage traffic more efficiently².
+. **Latency**: While there's no strict limit, keep an eye on **latency**. Each switch introduces a slight delay. If your application can tolerate the cumulative latency, you can continue daisy chaining.
+. **Consider Alternatives**: If you find yourself needing to connect an unusually large number of switches (e.g., 20), explore alternatives like **stacking** switches or using **layer 3 features** to segment your network¹³.
+Remember, while daisy chaining can work well for specific scenarios, it's essential to balance convenience with network performance and reliability. 🌐🔌
+Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/29/2024
+(1) How many network switches can I daisy chain together. https://serverfault.com/questions/724607/how-many-network-switches-can-i-daisy-chain-together.
+(2) Speed with Ethernet switch and how many Ethernet switches can be .... https://ratedrecommendation.com/technology/ethernet-switch-and-the-speed-and-how-many-ethernet-switches-can-be-cascade/.
+(3) How many switches can I connect together on the same LAN?. https://www.amphenol.co.uk/en/how-many-switches-can-i-connect-together-same-lan.
+(4) Best Way to Connect Multiple Switches - CablesAndKits. https://www.cablesandkits.com/learning-center/connecting-multiple-switches.
+(5) How to Connect Multiple Ethernet Switches | FS Community. https://community.fs.com/article/how-to-connect-multiple-ethernet-switches.html.