How To Connect Two Different Network Segments Using A Switch And A Router?

Can I connect two network switches using two ethernet cables?

• I have two Netgear GS108 Gigabit Switches. One is in my bedroom (Switch 1) and the other is in my home office (Switch 2). Normally, both of them are connected to each other with one ethernet cable. Would it help if I used two ethernet cables instead? Example: Switch 1 ==== Switch 2 instead of Switch 1 ---- Switch 2

• Answer:

  For the switches that you have, it will not help and would probably cause problems. Managed switches that are capable of trunking ports can take advantage of multiple links between switches by aggregating them into one logical connection to increase bandwidth and add redundancy. However, an unmanaged switch like the one you have does not have this capability. Creating multiple connections, however, does run the risk of creating switching loops between the switches, which would be bad. Bottom line: connect your switches with only one cable.