System information

Stacking PowerConnect 10G Switches: M8024-k, 8024, 8024F
23
Note: It is simple to change the Master or Standby to a different unit if desired using the Unit
Configuration screen.
Configuring the 8024/8024F Stack
PowerConnect 8024/8024F switches can be stacked up to six high, supporting up to 132 front-panel
ports when two ports on each unit are configured as stacking ports. The stack can contain any
combination of PowerConnect 8024 and PowerConnect 8024F switches as long as all switches are
running the same firmware version (4.2.x.x or later).
These switches can only be stacked using 10G SFP+ fiber ports, which default to Ethernet mode and
must be reconfigured as stacking ports to stack. Stacking over the 10G SFP+ ports is supported at
distances of up to 100M if the switch is configured to use Priority Flow Control on any port. Stacking
using LR/LRM transceivers is supported up to the maximum distance supported by the transceiver/fiber
combination (10 km for 10GBase-LR).
This scenario shows steps to create the stack. Figure 9 shows the connectivity between the stack
members.
ACT
ACT
LNK/
SPD
242322212423
Combo
22212 01918171 6151413121110987654321
LNK/
SPD
ACT
ACT
LNK/
SPD
242322212423
Combo
22212 01918171 6151413121110987654321
LNK/
SPD
ACT
ACT
Combo
LNK/
SPD
2423222 1
LNK/
SPD
2423222120191 81716151413121110987654321
Stacking 8024/8024F switches using a single stack link Figure 9.
For each switch in the stack, one cable from a stacking port on a switch is connected to a stacking port
on the next switch. This process is repeated until all of the devices are connected. To complete the
ring topology for the stack, one stacking port on the last switch is connected to the remaining stacking
port on the first switch.
Connecting additional cables in parallel will increased the stacking bandwidth. Up to eight ports can
be connected in parallel on an 8024F and up to four ports in parallel on an 8024. It is strongly
recommended to have the same number of stack links between the stack members. It is also
recommended to connect the stack in a ring topology for resiliency. Figure 10 shows an example of
connecting two stack ports between each stacking peer.