Difference between switch cascading, daisy chain and pt-to-pt connection

[ytwong]

I just will like to clarify the differences between switch cascading, daisy chain and point-to-point connection. What exactly is the difference between cascade and daisy chain ? Is point-to-point connection just another term for daisy chain ?

My understanding is that with GigaStack, with cascasding configuration, you can only go up to 9 switches (with half-duplex) due to the limitation of GigaStack technology, right ?

But, if you were to configure point-to-point connection (in the daisy chain configuration), then, in theory there is no limitation, right ? But, usually, no more than 7 switches are recommended to be daisy chained due to STP performance issue, right ?

[milan.kulik]

Hi,

my understanding is:

Daisy-chaining is connecting switches "in one line", i.e.:

1-2-3-4-5-6

Cascading is sometimes used for the same.

Sometimes cascading means a little more complex topology, e.g.:

1-2-3-4-5

...|........|

...6......7

Switches 1 and 6 are cascaded via 2.

You can daisy-chain switches via point-to-point connections (FastEthernet, 1Gbps GBICs, GigaStack full-duplex) or by bus (GigaStack half-duplex).

Your understanding of 9 switches ans STP limits is correct.

Regards,

Milan