What is the Difference Between Cascading and Stacking?

Answer

Cascading is usually applied to a collection of repeaters connected using a dedicated cascade port.

Stacking is generally used when discussing a collection of switches connected together, using a high-speed, proprietary connection.

These terms are sometimes adapted for connecting hubs and switches using uplink ports by adding 'faceplate' to the terms to create 'faceplate cascading' for hubs and 'faceplate stacking' for switches. Given the similarities between cascading and stacking, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Doc ID: N100320.asp