Allied Telesis AT-x950-28XSQ, Installation Manual

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Chapter 2: Virtual Chassis Stacking
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Overview
The Virtual Chassis Stacking (VCStack) feature lets you build a virtual
stack of two AT-x950-28XSQ switches. The feature allows the switches to
function as a single networking unit, with the following benefits:

Simplifies management - You can manage the devices of the stack
as a single unit, rather than individually. Your local and remote
management sessions automatically give you management
access to both devices.
 Reduces IP addresses - A stack requires only one IP address for
remote management access, reducing the number of IP addresses
you have to assign to network devices. The one address gives you
management access to both units.

Adds feature flexibility and resiliency - A stack gives you more
flexibility in the available configurations of features. For instance,
you can create port aggregators of ports from different switches in
the stack, rather than from only one switch. If you distribute the
ports of an aggregator across both switches, you increase its
resiliency because the aggregator can continue to function, though
at a reduced bandwidth, if one of the switches stops functioning.

Reduces protocol requirements - Creating a stack might eliminate
your need to configure some protocols, such as the Virtual Router
Redundancy Protocol or Spanning Tree Protocol.