In the network switch connection diagram, switch stacking is not common. Stacked network switches can be viewed as a unit for management, which can effectively simplify network configuration and management, and improve network scalability, flexibility, and network capacity, provided that the network switches support stacking functions. At present, some stacking switches can directly use DAC high-speed cables or AOC active optical cables or optical modules with jumpers for stacking connections. However, some switch vendors claim that stacking switches must use dedicated stacking cables. So some people will ask what is the dedicated stacking cable? Can DAC high-speed cables be used as stacking cables? You will find the answer after reading this article.

What is a stacking cable?
As the name implies, a stacking cable is a cable used to connect multiple stacking switches. The specific choice of stacking cables should be determined based on the type of stacking switch, transmission distance, budget, and other factors. The following will list common stacking cables and stacking solutions commonly used by switches.

DAC high-speed cable/AOC active optical cable
DAC high-speed cable/AOC active optical cable is a common connection cable used to connect short-distance (within 30 meters) network switches and network switches/servers/routers. Stack switches are no exception. In other words, DAC high-speed cables/AOC active optical cables can be used as ordinary cables to connect network devices for data transmission, or as stack cables to connect network switches to expand network capacity. At present, DAC high-speed cable/AOC active optical cable is one of the most cost-effective and convenient stacking solutions. Among them, DAC high-speed cables are much more popular with users because of their lower cost than AOC active optical cables.