Brian,   Dell PowerConnect stacking provides multiple switch management through a single point as if all stack members are a single unit. All stack members are accessed through a single IP address through which the stack is managed.   That is basically the only advantage of stacking which from a management perspective is very helpful in saving time.   As far as the connectivity: Configurable CX-4/Stacking Modules   This feature allows the stacking and CX-4 plug-in modules to be configured to either role (Ethernet or Stacking). By default, the module will function according to its module ID. Upon changing the role of a module, a reboot will be required for the change to take effect.   stack Use the stack command in Global Configuration mode to set the mode to Stack Global Config. Syntax stack Default Configuration This command has no default mode. Command Mode Global Configuration mode User Guidelines This command has no user guidelines   Example The following example sets the mode to Stack Global Config. console(config)#stack console(config-stack)#  stack-port Use the stack-port command in Stack Configuration mode to configure Stack ports as either Stacking ports or as Ethernet ports. This command is used to configure CX-4 ports to be either stacking or Ethernet ports. By default, CX-4 ports are Ethernet ports   Syntax stack-port  / {ethernet | stack}  Default Configuration By default, these ports are configured as stacking ports. Command Mode Stack Configuration mode User Guidelines The clear config command will not change the stacking port mode. Only the stack-port command can change the operating mode of the stacking port and it only takes effect after a reboot when changing between stacking and Ethernet mode. If this command is used with a CX-4 module, the ports will be forced to Ethernet mode upon reboot. Example console(config-stack)#stack-port 1/xg3 ethernet console(config-stack)#   Port-Channel/Lag   You can run multiple cable runs and then have the redundancy you are looking for.  The benefits of Link Aggregation include:   Creating LAGs – Static Two-port LAG  console> enable console# configure console(config)# interface range ethernet g1-2 console(config-if)# channel-group 1 mode on console(config-if)# exit console(config)#    Creating LAGs – Dynamic LACP LAG  console> enable console# configure console(config)# interface range ethernet g1-2 console(config-if)# channel-group 1 mode auto console(config-if)# exit console(config)#    Hope this helps,   Please keep us updated
Hello All, I've got an existing stack of 2x 6248 + 1X 6248P switches, connected using the stacking modules and cables in the first bay on the rear of the switches, so the stacking cable layout looks like this: 6248 1/xg1 -> 2/xg2 6248P 2/xg1 -> 3/xg2 6248 3/xg1 -> 1/xg2 I'm adding a 6224 switch to extend our network, and this will be connected back to the main switches over fibre (it's located in a separate builing around 300 meters from the network cabinet). I've got a dual port SFP+ module in the 6248p switch in the main stack with one SFP+ transceiver, this is port 2/xg3. The 6224 switch has a dual port SFP+ module and and SFP+ Transceiver in port xg1. I'm testing the configuration before putting into production, and just by connecting everything up and power up the 6224 switch, I have connectivity across the fibre. So, now the connections look like this: 6248 1/xg1 -> 2/xg2 6248P 2/xg1 -> 3/xg2     2/xg3 -> 4/xg1 6248 3/xg1 -> 1/xg2 However, the 6224 switch isn't currently a stack member, the connection is listed as "ethernet" as opposed to "stack". The network configuration is pretty straightforward, e.g. no vlans etc. So, my question is, is there any advantage or disadvantage to making this switch a stack member (apart from the advantage of being able to manage it as part of the stack). If it does make sense to stack the 6224, what is the recommended cabling configuration or would I need another SFP + module in another switch & transceivers & fibre runs etc. to give some redundancy? Thanks, Brian
To stack or not to stack new fibre connected switch.