Stacked cables are a common network connection solution, mainly used in data centers and enterprise networks. This article will introduce the definition, classification, function and difference between stacking cables and fiber optic cables. It will also provide detailed stacking cable connection methods and answers to related questions.
A stacking cable is a high-performance data cable used to connect network devices. It achieves stacking and centralized management of devices by establishing logical connections between devices. The main function of the stacking line is to connect multiple devices in series to form a logical whole and provide high-bandwidth and low-latency data transmission.
The main function of the stacking line is to integrate multiple network devices into a logical whole, providing high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission and centralized management. By stacking lines, you can achieve the following functions:
lExpand the number of network ports and increase the connection capacity of the device.
lProvides redundancy and high availability to protect against network outages.
lAchieve centralized management and configuration, simplifying the deployment and maintenance of network equipment.
lSupport advanced network applications such as virtualization and cloud computing.
Stacking is generally mainly used in medium and large network environments, especially when the demand for ports in some specific locations is relatively large. Stacking switches is the most convenient and fastest way to expand ports, and stacking can also improve the performance of switches. However, it should be noted that during the stacking process, switches of the same brand need to be used.
The stack is mainly connected directly from the "UP" stacking port of one switch to the "DOWN" stacking port of another switch through a DAC high-speed cable. The corresponding port is generally on the back of the switch, is unique, and will not cause connection errors.
There are some differences in transmission methods and applicable scenarios between stacking lines and optical fiber lines:
lTransmission method: Stacking lines mainly use electrical signal transmission, while optical fiber lines mainly use optical signal transmission.
lApplicable scenarios: Stacking lines are suitable for stacking and connecting devices within LANs. They are usually used in scenarios such as data centers and enterprise networks, and are usually within 7 meters. Optical fiber lines are suitable for data transmission across floors and long distances, such as metropolitan area networks, wide area networks, etc.
lRate and bandwidth: Fiber optic lines have higher transmission rates and bandwidth and can support larger-scale data transmission.
Stacked lines and optical modules are two different concepts. The stacking cable is a high-speed cable used for stacking and connecting devices to transmit electrical signals. An optical module is a photoelectric conversion device that can convert electrical signals into optical signals for transmission. Therefore, stacked lines are not optical modules.
There are differences in functions and transmission methods between stacking cables and ordinary optical fibers, so stacking cables cannot directly replace ordinary optical fibers. Stacking lines are mainly used for stacking and connecting devices. They are suitable for data transmission within the LAN and have the advantages of low latency and high bandwidth.
Ordinary optical fiber is suitable for longer-distance data transmission, and is suitable for cross-floor, metropolitan area network, wide area network and other scenarios. Optical fiber lines are usually used in conjunction with optical modules to achieve high-speed, long-distance optical signal transmission.
Stacking cable is a high-performance data cabling solution for device connectivity and centralized management. It has the advantages of low latency and high bandwidth, and is suitable for scenarios such as data centers and enterprise networks. Stacking lines realize efficient data transmission between devices through electrical signal transmission, which is somewhat different from optical fiber lines and optical modules. Therefore, stacked lines cannot directly replace ordinary optical fibers, but appropriate solutions should be selected based on actual needs.
