Is Connection of 4 Hubs in a circle a Problem? 1

[joopa]

I am using 4 HP Procurve Hubs to control PLC equipment. They are all connected with cross-over patch cords. the last in the chain is patched to the first. All this is to keep loss to a minimum in case of power/equipment failure.

Everything is running fine and when I disconnect on hub the others take over. The only problem is that I get slow blinking LEDs on some of the cross-over patch cords.

My question is, does anyone predict that this could give any problems? I believe the blinking is because the hub can't decide which end to take the signal from, but since it works, should I be concerned? Would it be safer to add a switch?

Help/comments is much appreciated.

 

[polymath5]

I don't think this is a good idea. You've effectivly plugged a hub into itself.

Also, if computer A is plugged into hub 1 and the server is in hub 4, if hub 2 or 3 fail, you will still lose connections.

Buy a couple of good switches and you'll be better off. Switches rarely fail. Have an extra one around if you want in case one does. But I bet you'll never use it as a replacement.

Again, I said good switches, Cisco, HP, 3Com. Used them all for years, never had one fail after years of service.