Where Should be up-links connect on Stacked switches for best performance.

[Nishan Thevathason]

Hello All,

I am looking for advice on where to place uplinks on the switch stack from two core Switches(Running HSRP and connected through the port-channel)and which switch should be Master & Master secondary.  For example, I have a stack of 3 switches (1-3 racked vertically) my first switch is set as the master, second switch is set to take over for the master. Does it matter where I place the uplinks?  I have here enclosed a sample Network diagram for clear understanding.

Thank you 

Note: - The Switch stack model:  2960-X

[Nishan Thevathason]

I am looking for advice on where to place uplinks on the switch stack from two core Switches(Running HSRP and connected through the port-channel)and which switch should be Master & Master secondary.  For example, I have a stack of 3 switches (1-3 racked vertically) my first switch is set as the master, second switch is set to take over for the master. Does it matter where I place the uplinks?  I have here enclosed a sample Network diagram for clear understanding.

Thank you 

Note: - The Switch stack model:  2960-X

[Seb Rupik]

Hi there,

The Cisco CVD for campus networks states that uplinks should not be placed on the master switch.

So for your stack, place the uplinks on switch 1 and 3, with switch 2 being the master.

I'll see if I can find the reference...

cheers,

Seb.

[Seb Rupik]

Here it is:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-6800-series-switches/guide-c07-733457.html#_Toc406542409

Search for section:

Cisco StackWise and FlexStack Switch Priority Recommendation

[Nishan Thevathason]

Hi,
I just have gone through the reference link provided by you and check with indicating section, But I found it a little bit confusing, the switch having UPlinks, having lowest priority values ?? But Master & second master should have the highest priorities values.

[Seb Rupik]

Correct. You want the switches which have the uplinks to be the last switches to be elected master.

Why?

As a best practice, decoupling the control and management-plane
 operation with uplink port operation in StackWise and FlexStack
 switches is imperative.

This will be a requirement driven by the stackwise architecture. Sorry I don;t have a fuller explanation. Maybe digging through old Cisco Live presentations on stackwise will unearth some engineering details if you were hungry for the details.

cheers,

Seb.

[Leo Laohoo]

Put the uplink in the 2nd and 3rd switches.