Using hubs and switches, system administrators can easily connect a couple of dozen computers together.
You do this by daisychaining them together.
How does that work? Simple.
Let's say you have two 8-port devices: Device A and Device B.
Connect four computers to each device, then connect the devices together with a single cable through a standard port.
Now you have the potential for all eight computers to talk to communicate with one another.
It's a great way of extending the network further.
It does have its limit though.
Even so, there are ways to get around that limitation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you do connect the devices together via hubs or switches.
First, make sure you have electrical power outlets nearby as the hubs and switches do require power-not much-but they do require some.
It seems like an obvious statement but many people assume that because they are lightweight devices, that they don't need power.
This only matters in planning purposes.
Secondly, since hubs and switches are relatively inexpensive, buy larger devices (devices with more ports) than you think you will need.
If you can, go for double or triple what you think you need.
The extra price is minimal and can extend your network even further with those extra ports.
Thirdly, you can only connect three devices together using the daisychain method.
if you have more connections than that, simply purchase a hub that has a BNC connection on the back.
Then it's only a matter of joining the hub together using thinnet.
With thinnet cable, the three hub rule does not apply.
The other alternative is to get what they call stackable hubs, These hubs enable 2 or more hubs to be counted as a single hub because they use high speed direct connections.
Daisychaining computers together is a simple yet great way to extend a small network.