Configuration Guide User guide

FastIron Configuration Guide 239

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Supported IronStack topologies

This section describes how to build an IronStack. Before you begin, you should be familiar with the

supported stack topologies and the software requirements. When you are ready to build your stack,

you can go directly to the instructions.

Brocade IronStack topologies

Brocade IronStack technology supports linear and ring stack topologies. Although Brocade

stackable units may be connected in a simple linear topology, Brocade recommends a ring topology

because it offers the best redundancy and the most resilient operation.

Mixed unit topologies

FCX, ICX 6610, ICX 6450 and ICX 6430 devices cannot be combined in a stack with other devices.

Stacks must contain devices of the same type. For more information about FCX stack topologies,

refer to “FCX stack topologies” on page 239. For more information about stack topologies for ICX

6430 and ICX 6450 devices, see “Configuring an ICX 6430 and ICX 6450 IronStack” on page 266.

FCX stack topologies

A Brocade IronStack can contain all one model, or any combination of the FCX models. You can mix

24-port and 48-port FCX devices in a single stack, to a maximum of eight units per stack.

NOTE

FCX devices cannot be combined in a stack with non-FCX devices.

The procedure for cabling a stack of FCX devices differs depending on whether your stack contains

FCX-E and FCX-I devices. Figure 11 shows FCX-S and FCXS-F devices cabled in linear and ring stack

topologies. Note that these devices are cabled from the rear panel. Figure 12 shows FCX-E devices

in a ring topology stack. Figure 13 shows FCX-E devices in a linear topology stack.