Ruijie RG-S2900G-E Series, Configuration Manual

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Configuration Guide Stack Management
Stack Management
Understanding Stack
Overview
The stack technology is used for centralized management and port expansion. You can
connect multiple independent switches into a centralized stack system by using stack ports and
stack cables. Its advantages are as follows:
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 decrease ports according to the
network scale without discarding the old devices, thus protecting user investment.
Easy user management: The stack system is logically a device and one node in a network. The
stack is managed by using a single IP address to reduce the occupation of IP addresses and
facilitate network management.
Hardware Structure
Special stack ports and cables are usually needed to form a stack system. Ruijie switches
provide multiple hardware solutions available for users:

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. The length of such cable
influences 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 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
low-bandwidth.
Caution
S29E series switch supports the stack function.
The switch stack system supports eight member devices, and is formed by
using the stack modules or stack cables. For how to install the stack, see the
hardware manual of the specific product.
S29G-E series switch support the mixed stack.
Starting and Stopping a Stack
If the slot of a switch does not add a stack module in the start process, the switch works in the
standalone mode. If the slot of a switch has added a stack module, the switch detects whether
the stack link is connected. If the switch detects normal connection, it works in the stack mode.
If the switch detects that the link is not connected for some time, it works in the standalone
mode.