Switch network redundancy

[jethro.w.tambeana]

Hi there, I am trying achieve some form of redundancy using existing 3750 & a 2960 switches. these are active switches but are not currently setup for redundancy. find attach diagram is my idea of achieving some redundancy however i am not sure if the current switches (3750 & 2960) will support this setup. that is where i need some advise on whether or not the attached design can be accomplished using the current switches. if so, can i use port-channel/ether-channel to achieve this? can vPC be used in this case?

I need advise on how best to achieve some redundancy using my current switches. 

Thank you

[Kasun Bandara]

1. these switches are not supporting vPC or stacking together. so you cannot make them virtually 1 switch. that means you cannot to ether channel from access layer switch to both 3750 + 2960 switches at same time

2. STP will fireup and do port selection if you connected like this. you can have PVST+ or MST to load balance vlan traffic between two switches if you have multiple VLANs.

[jethro.w.tambeana]

Thank you @Kasun Bandara for your response. Another option I have in mind is to setup the switches in a ring, as per the attach diagram and use port-channel. Would this be possible?

[Kasun Bandara]

Connect devices using star topology will increase stability and reliability than ring in this scenario. you can create port channels between switch to switch. but your devices are not support to create MLAG. unless you have same series stackable or VSS compatible switches.

[jethro.w.tambeana]

Thank you again @Kasun Bandara . I will take your advise and setup the switches in Star topology. by the way, would you have any links to refer to for setting up the switches in a star topology? here is one i am looking at currently https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-6500-series-switches/72836-rapidpvst-mig-config.html . If you know any other good links please share with me.

Thank you again

[Kasun Bandara · Accepted solution]

you can use your 1st attached diagram for connectivity. also i have seen you have 3750 switches used in 2nd layer. is that for any specific use? if not you can move 1 x 3750 device to upper layer and move 2960 to 2nd layer. then you will  be able to do stacking between 2 x 3750 switches in upper layer. (if you have stacking module and cable on switches and both switches need to use Same OS type and version)

[jethro.w.tambeana · Accepted solution]

Hi @Kasun Bandara thank you for the tip. I will do as you suggested. Thank you very much for your advise.