Stacking 2960S switches options

[Phuong Trinh]

I have 2  Catalyst 2960S (24 ports and 48 ports). Can I stack them using the Uplink connection instead of the stack modules. I know Stack module is the best option but it is kind of expensives (half price of the 24 ports switch) and I only need to stack no more then 2 switches.

Thanks

Phuong                

[Giuseppe Larosa · Accepted solution]

Hello Phuong,

no you cannot use uplink to build a stack, stacking requires stacking modules and flexstack cables.

using the uplink ports you can only create a cluster that is only for administrative purposes

see

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960/software/release/12.2_58_se/configuration/guide/swclus.html

>>

A switch stack is different from a

switch cluster

.  A switch cluster is a set of switches connected through their LAN  ports, such as the 10/100/1000 ports. For more information about how  switch stacks differ from switch clusters, see the "Planning and  Creating Clusters" chapter in the

Getting Started with Cisco Network Assistant

on Cisco.com.

see

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960/software/release/12.2_58_se/configuration/guide/swstack.html

Hope to help

Giuseppe

[AhmedSonba · Accepted solution]

Hello Phuong

You can do it by using FlexStack In order for the switches to stack, a  separate FlexStack module must be  inserted in the rear of the switch.  Without this module, FlexStack  cannot function.

Please refer to the following link for more information

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps6406/white_paper_c11-578928.html

Hope it will help

Ahmed Sonba

[Phuong Trinh]

OK, got the message, I will get the stack modules. Thanks for all of the responses.

-Phuong

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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Posting

Considering the expense of the stack modules, you might want to carefully consider if the features provided by stacking are worth their cost for your usage.  For just a stack of two, a multi gig Etherchannel might satisfy your needs.