In addition to statistics and recommendations, colors in the display show whether the selected switch
models and stacking methods are compatible.
Table 17: Colors in the Stacking Tool Display
Color
Meaning
Green
Compatible and preferred
Blue
Compatible
Yellow
Incompatible with the selected primary node
Red
Incompatible
Setting up the Physical Stack
After you have installed the individual switches (see "Installing Your Switch"), follow these steps to
create the physical stack.
1. Connect the switches that will form the stack.
Connecting the Switches to Form the Stack Ring
2. Connect stacking cables to the switches.
on page 71.
3. Connect the switches to your management network.
Connecting Your Stack to the Management Network
on page 73.
After setting up and connecting the switches, perform software configuration for the stack. See
"Configuring a New Stack" in the
Connecting the Switches to Form the Stack Ring
After you have installed the individual switches, connect them together using the stacking cables.
The examples in this section show cable connections and the recommended order for connecting ports
to facilitate the easy setup configuration.
In general, it is best to connect Stack Port 2 on one switch to Stack Port 1 on the switch with the next
higher slot number. Although you can connect the switches in any order, connecting them as shown in
these examples will produce better predictability and easier software configuration.
All connections between stack ports must be directly between switches. A stacking connection cannot
pass through a third device, for example a Virtual Port Extender or an LRM/MACsec Adapter.
It is essential to create an unbroken data path through all the switches in the stack.
For instructions to connect specific types of stacking cables, see
71.
Combining Different Types of Stacking Ports
shows an example stack configuration using the following switches: X440-G2, X450-G2,
X460-G2, and X620.
Setting up the Physical Stack
Building Stacks
66
ExtremeSwitching 5420 Series Hardware Installation Guide