Cisco 2960x STACK configuration.

[Ritesh Desai]

Hi folks,

Am into Cisco Contact Center deployment world and now first-time i came with new model of Cisco 2960X FlexStack Switch 48port and 24port. I have to configure this switch. Am planning to do HA.

Have question:

Is Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack Plus Stacking Module used for HA?

Would appreciate your extended support.

regards,

Ritesh Desai.

[Leo Laohoo]

Is Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack Plus Stacking Module used for HA?

No.  The FlexStack Plus Stacking Module is used to connect one 2960X to another 2960X to form a single logical unit.  

Kindly read this White Paper: Cisco StackWise and StackWise Plus Technology

[Ritesh Desai]

Thanks a lot Leo for answer!

So STACK technology is used to combine 2 switches to form as one with single IP address. 

Please suggest, should I do STACKing between 2 switches?

What configuration I do to achieve HA for redundancy, If 1 switch fails another takes over the load? please suggest.

regards,

Ritesh Desai.

[Leo Laohoo]

So STACK technology is used to combine 2 switches to form as one with single IP address. 

2 or MORE (up to EIGHT 2960X).

Please suggest, should I do STACKing between 2 switches?

I cannot think of any reason, other than distance, NOT to form a logical stack. 

one with single IP address. 

A single IP address is the least reason.  Stacking makes configuration and management easier. 

Is Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack Plus Stacking Module used for HA?

Stacking is just part of high availability.  Won't make any difference if the downstream clients has only ONE NIC card or doesn't support EtherChannel.

[Ritesh Desai]

Hi Leo,

Thanks for guidance. My infra would be like 2 Voice Gateways connected to 2 Switches. 3 Cisco UCS Servers are connected to 2 - 2960x switches. On UCS Servers, redundant NICs are configured as shown in the attached.

regards,

Ritesh Desai.

[salemmahara]

Hi Leo Could you tel me how can I send you a private message please?

[salemmahara]

Yes, You make a single logical switch when you connect switches using stack cable.

Normally, admins use stack technology for below reasons:

1. Add some more port to their switch without Uplink port to maximize throughput and still with a single point of management .

2. Planning for HA and Redundancy mechanisms in distribution and core layer .

If you want to Implement stack in server farm, you must make your servers dual home ( extra NIC and balancing algorithm on server .

If it's about core or distribution, you can implement different solutions ( Cross stack etherchannel , balancing with STP , and layer 3 balancing methods )