Stack Management; Understanding Stack; Overview; Hardware Structure - D-Link xStack DGS-3610 Series Configuration Manual

DGS-3610 Series Configuration Guide
52

52.1 Understanding Stack

52.1.1

Overview

The stack technology is for centralized management and port expansion. You can connect
multiple separate switches into a centralized stack system by using stack ports and stack
cables. Its advantages are:
Flexible port density expansion: The number of ports in a stack system is the total of the
ports of all member devices in the stack. You can flexibly add or reduce ports according to
the size of the network, without discarding the old devices, for maximum investment
protection.
Easy user management: The stack system is logically a device and one node in a network,
managed through a single IP address, for saving IP addresses and easy management.
52.1.2

Hardware Structure

Special ports and cables are usually needed to form a stack system. DGS-3610 series
provide multiple hardware solutions for choice:
Stack module: A dedicated stack module can provide a high-bandwidth and low-cost

stack solution. To use this solution, you need the special stack cables, whose lengths
restrict the distances between stack member devices.
Common module: A common module can provide a high-bandwidth and long-distance

stack solution. To adopt this solution, you do not need special stack cables. However, its
disadvantage is that it has a high cost.
Fixed port: A fixed port can provide a low-cost and long-distance stack solution. To use

this solution, you do not need special stack cables. However, its disadvantage is that it
has low bandwidth.
Caution
All the DGS-3610 series switches support stack.
The switch stack system supports eight member devices, which are
connected through the stack module or stack cables. For how to install the
stack, see the hardware manual of the specific product.
Chapter 52 Stack Management

Stack Management

52-1