Smallest Stack Possible - 2x 3850's Question

[MARK CHRISTY]

I'm sure I'll be shamed for asking this question, I almost want it.

I'm the proud owner of 2 new Catalyst 3850 XS 10G SFP+. The Hardware install guide shows many examples of 3,5, switches in a stack.

What about 2 switches. If I call the data Stacking ports "left" and "right", do I connect one stack cable between two switches, or do I connect two stack cables between two switches... e.g.;

Switch-1

--- Left to Switch-2 Right ---

Switch-2

--- Left to Switch-1 Right ----

Or Switch-1 Left to Switch-2 Right.... or.... see what I mean. I cannot find any definitive universal description of how best to connect them. Maybe I missed that tidbit...

Chime in and feel free to pummel me... ;-D

[Julio E. Moisa · Accepted solution]

Hi Mark

The stack cables work like a circuit, so you need to connect 2 cable between 2 switches. So you have to close the circuit.

The following link can be useful for reference (data stack cabling chapter): http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/hardware/installation/guide/b_c3850_hig/b_c3850_hig_chapter_010.html#concept_731340C54C5C4974B300779F6D2728B6

Hope it is useful

:-)

[Joseph W. Doherty]

With a stack of two, one cable will allow the two units to operate as a stack.  Additional cables provided both stack port/link redundancy and additional bandwidth.  (NB: maximum for both is obtained when all six stack ports are used.)

Which stack ports you use to stack the two units, doesn't really matter for physical stack operation.