endpoint_snitch 

(Default: org.apache.cassandra.locator.SimpleSnitch) Set to a class that implements the IEndpointSnitch. Cassandra uses snitches for locating nodes and routing requests.

• GossipingPropertyFileSnitch

  Recommended for production. The rack and datacenter for the local node are defined in the cassandra-rackdc.properties file and propagated to other nodes via gossip. To allow migration from the PropertyFileSnitch, it uses the cassandra-topology.properties file if it is present.

• PropertyFileSnitch

  Determines proximity by rack and datacenter, which are explicitly configured in the cassandra-topology.properties file.