HP E3800-24G-2SFP+ Installation And Getting Started Manual page 55

Mesh Topologies
Two to five switches may be stacked using mesh topologies.
In mesh topologies, every switch in the stack is connected to every other
switch in the stack. Hence, with four stacking ports on the Stacking Module,
the maximum number of switches that can be meshed together is limited to
five.
Mesh topologies provide the most protection from stacking failures because
communications can be rerouted through multiple paths.
Typical mesh topologies are illustrated in Figure 2-22.
Figure 2-22. Meshed Topologies
2-switch mesh
3-switch mesh
4-switch mesh
5-switch mesh
Installing the Switch
Stacking Information and Topologies
2-27