Yes, you absolutely can use multiple network switches together.
Using multiple network switches is a standard practice for expanding the capacity and reach of a local area network (LAN). When your network needs more ports than a single switch provides, or you need to extend connectivity to different physical locations within a building, adding more switches is the go-to solution.
As the provided reference confirms, connecting two switches together can be a simple process as long as the correct cable and ports are used. This interconnection is often referred to as cascading or uplinking switches. By linking switches, you effectively increase the total number of available network ports. Once the switches are connected, the network is expanded, allowing you to add more devices like computers, servers, and printers to your network infrastructure.
How Connecting Switches Works
Switches are connected using standard Ethernet cables. Typically, an uplink port on one switch is connected to a regular port or another uplink port on a second switch. Most modern switches feature dedicated uplink ports or auto-sensing ports that simplify this connection.
Benefits of Using Multiple Switches
- Network Expansion: The most direct benefit is increasing the number of devices that can connect to the network.
- Improved Organization: Switches can be placed in different areas, reducing long cable runs and organizing wired connections more efficiently.
- Reduced Congestion: While switches primarily manage traffic within their own segments, a well-designed network with multiple switches can help manage local traffic more effectively before it reaches the main network backbone.
Connecting multiple switches is a flexible and scalable way to grow your wired network as your needs increase.
