Stacking 3750G and 3750X

[CenturyCityConnect]

Hi Guys,

Can somebody please assist with this problem.

I have two swithces, a WS-C3750E-24TD and a WS-C3750G-12S that is currently stacked.

We purchased a WS-C3750X-12S and want to add it to the stack but the 3750X doesnt want to form part of the stack and just keeps on rebooting.

Surely the 3750X should be backwards compatable?

Here is the software info:

Switch Ports Model              SW Version            SW Image

------ ----- -----              ----------            ----------

*    1 30    WS-C3750E-24TD     12.2(55)SE3           C3750E-UNIVERSALK9-M

     2 12    WS-C3750G-12S      12.2(55)SE3           C3750-IPBASEK9-M

Switch Ports Model              SW Version            SW Image

------ ----- -----              ----------            ----------

*    3 18    WS-C3750X-12S      15.0(1)SE             C3750E-UNIVERSALK9-M

Any help will be appreciated.

[Leo Laohoo]

You can stack your 3750X-12S if you upgrade the IOS of your stack to a minimum level of 12.2(58)SE1.

[CenturyCityConnect]

Hi leolaohoo,

Thank you for your reply.

The latest software available for the WS-C3750G-12S is 12.2.55-SE7.

12.2.58-SE1 is not on the available download list under the switch model number.

[Leo Laohoo]

The latest software available for the WS-C3750G-12S is 12.2.55-SE7.

You're looking at the wrong version.  Check below:

http://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=283831707&softwareid=280805680&release=15.0.2-SE1&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=ED&reltype=latest

[CenturyCityConnect]

Ok sure, but that will only downgrade the software on the WS-C3750X-12S to 12.2.58-SE1.

What about the WS-C3750G-12S? There is no link to a software version 12.2.58-SE1 for that switch...

[Leo Laohoo]

Look to the left panel.  Do you notice there is a "triangles"?  Click on those and your choices expand.  Try that.

[CenturyCityConnect]

Yes I did,

In the case of the WS-C3750X-12S and the WS-C3750E-24TD there is an option to download 12.2.58-SE1.

The latest software available for the WS-C3750G-12S is 12.2.55-SE7.

See below:

http://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=278460559&catid=268438038&softwareid=280805680&release=12.2.55-SE7&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=ED&reltype=latest

[Leo Laohoo]

The latest software available for the WS-C3750G-12S is 12.2.55-SE7

You WILL NOT be able to load 12.2(55)SE7 into a 3750X-12S.

Go back to the left-hand panel and under "All Release" look under "12.2".  Click on the expand triangle and you'll see a list:

• 12.2(58)SE2
• 12.2(58)SE1
• 12.2(55)SE7
• 12.2(55)SE6
• 12.2(55)SE5

Do you see what I'm describing?

Look at the items in RED.   Do NOT look at the Release Dates.  This is irrelevant.  Look at the numbers I've highlighted in RED.

[CenturyCityConnect]

Yes, I understand.

What i am trying to tell you is that that list and option is not available for download on the WS-C3750G-12S (old fibre switch) download page.

See the image.

[Leo Laohoo]

What i am trying to tell you is that that list and option is not available for download on the WS-C3750G-12S (old fibre switch) download page.

Oh SHOOT!  Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

I forgot you got a 3750G-12S.  Nuts.

You're in trouble.  Let me explain:

1.  The 3750G-12S has a 16 mb flash.  This means that the "highest" IOS you can load is indeed 12.2(55)SE7.

2.  The 3750X-12S, however, needs a minimum of 12.2(58)SE1.

So what am I saying now?  It looks like you CANNOT stack a 3750X-12S with a 3750G-12S. 

[CenturyCityConnect]

Dude, pleaaaaaaaaase tell me there is a workaround!!

Found this article on the web, some of the guys are claiming it's possible but it all depends weather the 3750X supports IOS lower than 12.2(58)SE1 which they are claiming is does...

Your thoughts?

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2262282

https://supportforums.cisco.com/thread/2057914

[Leo Laohoo]

Afraid not.  Let me give you some details:

Release Notes for the Catalyst 3750, 3560, 2960-S, and 2960 Switches, Cisco IOS Release 12.2(58)SE1 and Later

In this document, it states:

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(58)SE1 runs on Catalyst 3750, 3560, 2960-S, and 2960 switches and on Cisco EtherSwitch service modules. Not all Catalyst 3750 and 3560 switches can run this release. The models listed below are not supported in Cisco IOS Release 12.2(58)SE1 and later. For ongoing maintenance rebuilds for these models, use Cisco IOS Release 12.2(55)SE and later (SE1, SE2, and so on). 
•WS-C3560-24TS
 •WS-C3560-24PS 
•WS-C3560-48PS
•WS-C3560-48TS
•WS-C3750-24PS
•WS-C3750-24TS
•WS-C3750-48PS
•WS-C3750-48TS
•WS-3750G-24T
•WS-C3750G-12 
•WS-C3750G-24TS
•WS-C3750G-16TD

Now, I've checked your first link.  The flaw with the link is that it's not sub-model-specific.  It only states 3750X as a whole and not the sub-model.

Another thing to look at is to scroll down under Supported Hardware you will observe that the WS-C3750G-12 is not listed.  And this document you are reading is the Release Notes for version 12.2(58)SE1 (and later).

If you will compare this with the Supported Hardware for the 12.2(55)SE (and later), you'll see your "12S" as being in the list. 

[andyphillipstoo]

It looks to me as though things might have changed.

The WS-C3750G-12 can run 12.2(55)SE8 - http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3750/software/release/12.2_55_se/release/notes/OL23054.html

The WS-C3750X-12 can run 12.2(55)SE8 - http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3750x_3560x/software/release/12.2_55_se/release/notes/OL23053.html