Daisy Chain Topology: Not Recommended for Stacking

Stackable switches can be connected in a daisy-chain topology. This is a ring topology with one of the links disconnected, inoperative, or disabled. A daisy chain can be created when a link fails or a node reboots in a ring topology, but the daisy chain topology is not recommended for normal operation.

We strongly recommend that your stack nodes be connected in a ring topology, not a daisy-chain topology, for normal operation.

In Daisy-Chain Topology, the nodes delineated as the active topology are operating in a daisy-chain configuration, even though there is physically a ring connection in the stack.

Click to expand in new window
Daisy-Chain Topology
GUID-6E5A263F-F037-4D88-A0A1-E5761EB93477-low.png

You might need to use a daisy chain topology while adding a new node, removing a node, or joining two stacks.

If you are using a daisy chain topology, the possibility of a dual master condition increases. Before you create a daisy chain topology, read Managing a Dual Master Situation.