Connecting Switches In A Stack - SMC Networks SMC6248M Installation Manual

Connecting Switches in a Stack

Figure 3-6 shows how the stack cables are connected between switches in a
stack. Each stacking connection is a 2 Gbps full-duplex link using
Category 5 Ethernet cables. The switch supports a line- and ring-topology
stacking configuration, or can be used stand alone.
In line-topology stacking there is a single stack cable connection between
each switch that carries two-way communications across the stack. In
ring-topology stacking, an extra cable is connected between the top and
bottom switches forming a "ring" or "closed-loop." The closed-loop cable
provides a redundant path for the stack link, so if one link fails, stack
communications can be maintained. Figure 3-6 illustrates a ring-topology
stacking configuration.
To connect up to four switches in a stack, perform the following steps:
1. Enable the stacking ports on each unit (i.e., leave the Stack button
out).
Note: Pressing the Stack button during normal operation will cause
2. Plug one end of a stack cable into the "Down" port of the top unit
(see Figure 3-6, Port 27).
3. Plug the other end of the stack cable into the "Up" port of the next
unit (see Figure 3-6, port 28).
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each unit in the stack. Form a simple chain
starting at the "Down" port on the top unit and ending at the "Up"
port on the bottom unit (stacking up to 4 units).
the system to reboot.
C S
ONNECTING
S
WITCHES IN A TACK
3-9