Stacking And Management; Simplified Firmware Updates For Stack Members; Dell Networking 8100 Support; Stacking And Redundancy - Dell Networking N4032 Configuration Manual

1.1

Stacking and management

An important advantage of stacking is that it provides a consolidated interface for management of multiple
switches that are linked together. One switch acts as the Master through which the entire stack is
managed through various interfaces (Web, CLI, and SNMP). After a stack is deployed in the network,
operators can easily add units to the stack as their port requirements increase, with minimal administrative
overhead. Additional stack members can immediately use existing configuration information such as
routing and switching configurations, VLANs, ACLs, port profiles, and security certificates.
1.2

Simplified firmware updates for stack members

When switches are stacked, only the Master needs to be updated with new firmware. All other members
of the stack will receive the firmware from the Master at that same time, reducing effort normally required
when updating individual switches. Also, when a switch is added to a stack, if it is running a different
version of firmware than the active version on the Master, the backup firmware on the new member is
automatically updated to match the Master, the backup version of firmware on the new member is then
activated, and the new member is rebooted.
1.3

Dell Networking 8100 Support

Dell Networking 81xx/81xxF switches can be stacked with Dell Networking N4000 switches, but only if all
switches in the stack are running 6.0.0.8 firmware or later, and all switches in the stack are running the
same firmware revision. The firmware must be applied to the switches before they are added to the stack.
Dell Networking N4000 switches cannot be downgraded to 5.x.x.x releases like the 81xx can. Refer to the
N4xxx Release Notes for more information.
1.4

Stacking and redundancy

By connecting a cable from the last switch in a stack back to the first switch, the operator makes sure that
a stack has the protection of redundant paths for control and data traffic, including support for Link
Aggregation Group (LAGs) configured across multiple switches. This means that any single point of failure
(a switch or a stack cable failure) does not affect the overall operation of the remaining stack elements.
This type of topology is known as a ring, or loop topology. Without the final cable(s) connecting the two
ends of the stack, the topology is a daisy-chain, which can cause multiple masters and ip address conflicts
on the network when a middle switch or link goes down. It is therefore recommended to always use a
ring topology when stacking.
Note: Ring topologies are highly recommended for resiliency and fault tolerance over the daisy-chain.
5 Stacking Dell Networking Switches: N4032, N4032F, N4064, N4064F