Physically, network switches can be connected to each other to increase the number of available Ethernet ports, but is this safe?

The process of connecting one switch to another is called "daisy connection".

On older switches, a special cable called "crossover cable" is needed to connect the switch. Others have a designated port called "uplink port", which allows daisy chain to occur.

Modern network switches do not need special cables and are not limited by ports. You can connect switches together; Just connect any port on the first switch to any port on the second switch to realize daisy chain.

Daisy chain switches are generally considered safe, but are not recommended if possible. This will bring some risks and may lead to network chaos.

If you must string switches together, the general rule of thumb is not to connect more than three switches.

You can bypass this rule by using so-called "stackable network switches".

Stacked switches use a special type of cable connector that allows you to connect two or more switches, but to some extent allows them to work like a single switch.

Stacked switches are not likely to be required in a home network environment, but for an enterprise environment, many connections are required in a specific area of the building. They are necessary.

The main risk associated with daisy chain switches is to create a loop.

As the name implies, when network switches are connected to each other to form a loop, a loop will appear.

The following is an example. If the switch is connected in a specific way, a cycle will occur:

When a loop is created, chaos will occur and the network may gradually stop. Loops are really the bane of any network engineer's life, especially when they are easily avoided.

In the enterprise environment, compared with the home network environment, the risk of creating a loop is much greater. The more expensive managed switch is more likely to be used to detect the loop and quickly close the required ports.

Considering this risk, I suggest not to string the switches together. Similarly, realistically speaking, there are not enough devices in your home to guarantee daisy chain, unless you have multiple switches, but there are few available ports.