Alcatel OS6400-48 Hardware User Guide - Page 66

Setting Up a Stacked Configuration Mounting OS6400 Switches Setting Up a Stacked Configuration Rack Mounting Stacked Configurations Prior to setting up and cabling the stacked configuration, be sure that all switches are in place and installed according to the instructions beginning on page 3-6 (table mount configuration) or 3-8 (rack mount configuration). Up to eight switches may be stacked to form a single virtual chassis. Note. When rack mounting multiple switches in a stacked configuration, be sure to position all switches in the rack so that all required stacking cables will have adequate length for the installation. Cabling Stacked Configurations In order to connect stacked switches into a virtual chassis, all modules in the stack must be connected via stacking cables. Redundant Stacking Cable Connections In addition to the stacking cables installed between adjacent switch, the top-most switch and bottom-most switch in the stack must be connected using a redundant stacking cable. Recommended Cabling Patterns Switches in a stack are connected to each other by stacking cables. The valid cable lengths are 1.5m (4.9 feet), 60cm (23.6 inches), and 30cm (11.8 inches). These stacking cables provide high-speed, dualredundant links between switches in a stack. For a stack to have effective redundancy, a redundant stacking cable must be installed between the uppermost and bottom-most switch at all times. This provides effective failover in the event of a stacking link or module failure within the stack. The diagram below shows the recommended stacking cable pattern. A B A stack of eight switches in a crossed (stacking port A to stacking port B) configuration. Note that a redundant stacking cable connection exists between the top and bottom switches. This connection is required for effective redundancy across the stack. page 3-10 Recommended Stacking Cable Patterns (Chassis Rear Panels Shown) OmniSwitch 6400 Series Hardware Users Guide July 2010