C9200 Stacking question

karden · ‎06-27-2023

Sorry if these are newbie questions. I haven't run across this situation before. I have a C9200-48P-E in production. We needed more ports so i purchased stacking kits and another switch of the same model. I have a few questions.

Do i need to power down the existing switches to insert the stack modules?

Will i need to License the additional switch before adding it? We use the data file method with ACK files.

Is there any prep work needed on the existing switch or the new switch?

Can i add the additional switch without the production switch reloading?

The Existing Switch is around a year old so i expect the IOS versions will be different.

Thank you in advance!

10.0.0.0.1 192.168.1.254

MHM Cisco World · ‎06-27-2023

@Reza Sharifi is the best which can help you in your task.

Flavio Miranda · ‎06-27-2023

Hi

"Do i need to power down the existing switches to insert the stack modules?"

Yes, not because you will burn the switch but it will not recognise the module.

"Will i need to License the additional switch before adding it?"

Switch have two licensing: DNA essential and DNA Advanced.

"We use the data file method with ACK files.

Is there any prep work needed on the existing switch or the new switch?"

Upgrade if they are outdated

"Can i add the additional switch without the production switch reloading?"

They will reload anyway

The Existing Switch is around a year old so i expect the IOS versions will be different.

Upgrade both to the same version prior to stack them

Leo Laohoo · ‎06-28-2023

@karden wrote:
The Existing Switch is around a year old so i expect the IOS versions will be different.

I will repeat the same response others have provided in the other forums: Use the command "software auto-upgrade enable".

@karden wrote:
Can i add the additional switch without the production switch reloading?

Yes, if the new switch is POWERED OFF before stacking cables are attached.

@karden wrote:
Do i need to power down the existing switches to insert the stack modules?

By design, no because of OIR. But if the existing switch is running a buggy code, inserting the stacking module may risk of triggering a switch crash.