We discussed the \"star of stars\" Ethernet switch layout in class (a star that

Question

We discussed the "star of stars" Ethernet switch layout in class (a star that will connect to other stars). A savvy network administrator has pointed out that this type of network configuration has several "single points of failure.” For example, the failure of a switch port that is used to connect to another switch could take down many machines in the office. The network admin proposes connecting the stars (i.e., the switches) together with additional ethernet cables. Without using technologies or protocols not discussed in class (such as the spanning-tree protocol), would this work? Why or why not? What would happen if these additional cables were installed between two switches?

Explanation / Answer

Answer)

Star of stars Ethernet switch layout will be such a layout in which switches are connected to the other switches via a networking star design. Here thus in a start network we know that devices are connected as a single link in the star topology. Thus, here this type of network configuration may have several "single points of failure” such that the network connected to the star network via the switch has a single point of connection to the central hub/switch.

Thus here, if the single link between the hub and the star Ethernet switch is down, then the whole network will be down. Thus here, the failure of a switch port that is used to connect to another switch could take down many machines in the office that are connected to that switch. Thus the network admin proposes connecting the stars (i.e., the switches) together with additional Ethernet cables which may serve as a backup in case one link is down.

Yes, this may work as the backup connection between the switches will work and be active once the primary connection between the switches are down. Thus data transfers and path tracing will not be affected. If the additional cables were installed between two switches they will use more Ethernet crossover cables, and thus will have more reliability than having only one connection between the switches in the star network topology.

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