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Stacking Dell Networking Switches: N4032, N4032F, N4064, N4064F
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Introduction
Most Dell switches today include a stacking feature that allows multiple switches to operate as a single
unit. These stacks include up to twelve Dell Networking N4032/N4032F/N4064/N4064F switches in any
combination, using up to four links between stack members. Any Ethernet port type on the front panel
can be used in creating these links, including SFP+, QSFP+, and 10GbaseT.
A single switch in the stack (known as the Master switch) manages all the units in the stack using a single
IP address, which allows the user to access every port in the stack from this one address. This IP address is
copied from the Master to the Standby when the Standby is created. If for any reason the Master fails, the
Standby takes over as Master keeping the IP address of the stack the same. This allows continuous
management of the stack.
The
new
Master unit also continues to use the
original Master
unit’s MAC addresses, which helps to reduce
disruptions to the network. When a failed Master re-joins the stack, it does so as a member (not a Master)
unless a new Master has not had time to be elected.
Note:
Dell N4032, N4032F, N4064, and N4064F series switches can be mixed in any combination within
a stack.
This document provides an easy to use step-by-step guide on how to configure stacking for the Dell
N4032 (Figure 1), N4032F (Figure 2), N4064 (Figure 3) and the N4064F (Figure 4).
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Figure 3
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Figure 4
