Allied Telesis AT-8100 Series - Manual (Page 399)

AT-8100 Switch Command Line User’s Guide
399
The second topology, the duplex-ring topology, is identical to the duplex-
chain, except that the unused stacking ports on the end switches of the
stack are connected together to form a physical loop, creating two
pathways through the stack. An example of both topologies is shown in
Figure 92.
Although the topologies are the same in terms of network speed and
performance, the duplex-ring topology is the recommended wiring
configuration because of the secondary path it provides through the
stacking ports. The two pathways protect the switches of the stack against
the loss of communications due to a failure of a stacking port, cable, or
switch.
Figure 92. Duplex-chain and Duplex-ring Configurations
Duplex-chain Configuration Duplex-ring Configuration