Using stack cables as trunklines

[jeremy0023]

 We are building a new network for our church.  We are using the SG500XG8f8t  as the core switch,  and SG500-52p  in the main building,  and a couple of 300 series which is in outlying buildings connected by fiber.  Essentially what we are trying to do is create 2 Gb lag  to the outlying buildings through sfp.  My original plan was to stack the Sg500xg and the SG500 in the main building.  I have discovered that these two are not stackable.  So basically I want to use the stack cables as a Trunkline to connect these two switches.  I plan was to use the two stack FSP's and two of the Sfps on the sg500xg and create a lag.  Here is the problem:  The switches will not recognize the stack cables at all.  The sfp port just shows down on  switches.  I have not change the configuration from default on these ports.  Both switches are in standalone mode.  I am using the SFP –  H 10 GB –  CU1M  stack cable.  Can someone please help on the configuring these switches?

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

I have never used the type of switches before, but looking at the link below the SG500 series switches are not listed to be compatible with Twinax cables ( SFP –  H 10 GB –  CU1M ).

Also, these cables are not stack cables.  These are called Twinax.  They are short distance cables (up to 10 meters) for connecting switches together using 10Gig ports.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/compatibility/matrix/10GE_Tx_Matrix.html

HTH

[jeremy0023]

According to the configuration guide it is compatible. See page 78:

http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/csbms/Sx500/administration_guide/500_Series_Admin_Guide.pdf#page69

 According to the guide, I should be able to use S3 and s4 on a SG 500 switch and get 1gbe each. Then I should be able to create a lag for 2gbe load balanced.  If I connect those to port 15 and 16 on the 500xg in trunk mode with a lag setup on it as well,  and set the speed to 1gbe instead of 10gbe,  I should have a 2gbe trunk right? Am I off somewhere? 

 Of course all of that is contingent on whether the cable is compatible with the switches  and getting the switches to see the cable.  So where am I off?    Thanks for your help 

[Reza Sharifi]

The part number you listed in your first post (SFP-H10GB-CU1M) is for a 10Gig 1 meter twinax cable and not for 1Gig. If the switch ports are 10Gig and support twinax than it should work.

also page 78 does not say anything about twinax support.

[jeremy0023]

See pic, first row, fourth column

[Reza Sharifi]

I see. Have you tried different cables and/or different ports?

As I said before, I am not familiar with these switches?

Maybe you have to turn up the ports before you can see a link light?

[jeremy0023]

I have tried the s1/s2 ports as well and same result. That is what I am wondering, whether they have to be turned on, or configured for the twinax cable

[Reza Sharifi]

Usually with other Cisco switches i.e , 2900, 3700, 3800, etc..by default the switch ports are turned on and sometimes if the ports are down, we have to login to the switch and turn up the interfaces. The command is simply "no shut" but not sure about these type of switches. Do you use the cli for this type of switch or the GUI?

if it is cli, you may want to try the same command under the interface where the twinax cable connected.

Here is another test to make sure the ports and/or the cables are good.This is if you have the a couple of SFPs and a fiber patch core.

Try connecting the 2 switches using a fiber patch cord and see if you get link lights.

HTh
 

[jeremy0023]

I have used the gui but can try logging in to the cli. I also have transceivers and fiber. I will try that and update on Tuesday. Thanks!