Daisy Chain Network

What is Daisy Chain?

The Daisy chain in the computer network topology is the interconnection of computers, peripherals or network nodes in sequence (one by one). If a message is intended for a computer that is in the middle line, each system bounces them in the chain until it reaches its destination. The main benefit of the daisy chain system is the simplicity of connecting computers and nodes.

Daisy-chaining is a common method used by system administrators to add more or new machines to the network. But it depends on what kind of network topology we use. For Instance, if we are using a point-to-point network, we must add the new device at the end of the chain (sometimes in the middle). However, in the ring network, there is no endpoint. so, the extra node becomes part of the topology.

Daisy Chain Topology Diagram

As mentioned above daisy chain network is one of the simplest network topologies. hence, the easiest way to add more computer devices into the network. In the Daisy Chain network, one computer is connected to the next without any intervening devices, thus the message is sent from one computer to the next and then to the next and so on. A Daisy Chain can be linear or ring.

As mentioned above, the daisy chain network is one of the simplest network topologies. therefore, it is very easy to add up new devices and nodes in the network. In the Daisy Chain network, one computer is connected to the next without having any intervening devices, so the message is sent from one computer to the next and then to the next and so on. Daisy Chain can be linear or ring.

There are two types of daisy-chained networks:

Liner daisy chain network
Ring daisy chain network

What is a Linear Daisy Chain Network Topology?

In a linear daisy chain, one computer is connected to the next using the two-way wire connection in between them as shown below.

To understand the linear daisy chain, Let’s Suppose, there are already four computers in a series and you want the fifth one to be a part of the bus topology. In that condition, you can add the fifth computer at the end of the fourth computer using a two-way wire connection in between them.

The disadvantage associate with the linear daisy chain topology is that it allows the station to send and receive the data in a two-way fashion. hence, all the computer requires two receivers and two transmitters for successful communication.

What is Ring Daisy Chain Topology?

In the ring daisy chain topology, one computer becomes part of the ring network by being inserted in the middle of the chain.

Thus, the ring daisy chain topology will be more favorable compared to the linear daisy chain topology because the number of senders and receivers can be reduced to half as messages will eventually loop all the way around. If the ring breaks, the transmission will happen in the reverse direction, ensuring that the connection does not affect. Therefore, ring daisy chain topology is more preferable for MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).