Max Spanning Tree (STP) Diameter
You may already know that the IEEE 802.1D specification recommends a maximum network diameter of 7 hops. What you may not know is that the number 7 is derived from a series of calculations based on various timers being tuned to their default values. If you are designing a larger network, you can tune these values so that the allowable diameter of the network is larger than 7. You should also realize that the term “diameter” refers to the maximum number of switches a packet would have to travel to get from one end of the network to the other.
802.1d spanning tree 7 hops limitation
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.