Dell PowerConnect M6220, User Configuration Manual

Page: 143 / 1294

Managing a Switch Stack
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8
Managing a Switch Stack
This chapter describes how to configure and manage a stack of switches.
The topics covered in this chapter include:
• Stacking Overview
• Default Stacking Values
• Managing and Monitoring the Stack (Web)
• Managing the Stack (CLI)
• Stacking and NSF Usage Scenarios
Stacking Overview
PowerConnect M6220, PowerConnect M6348, and PowerConnect M8024-k
switches include a stacking feature that allows multiple switches to operate as
a single unit. PowerConnect M6220 and PowerConnect M6348 switches
support up to 12 switches in a stack, and PowerConnect M8024-k switches
support up to six switches in a stack. PCM8024-k modules can be stacked
using any port as long as the link bandwidth for parallel stacking links is the
same. The 10G SFP+ ports default to Ethernet mode, so the ports must be
reconfigured as stacking ports.
If Priority Flow Control (PFC) is enabled on any port in the stack, stacking is
supported at distances up to 100 meters on the stacking ports. If PFC is not
enabled, stacking is supported up to the maximum distance supported by the
transceiver on the stack links. Note that PFC cannot be enabled on stacking
ports - the system handles the buffering and flow control automatically.
A single switch in the stack manages all the units in the stack (the stack
master), and you manage the stack by using a single IP address. The IP
address of the stack does not change, even if the stack master changes.
NOTE:
Stacking is supported on the PowerConnect M6220, PowerConnect M6348,
and PowerConnect M8024-k switches. PowerConnect M8024 switches do not
support stacking.