Dell N3200-ON EMC Networking N-Series Switches User Guide version 6.6.3 - Page 252

• The running configuration is propagated to all units and the application state is synchronized between the master and standby during normal stacking operation. The startup configuration and backup configuration on the stack members are not overwritten with the master switch configuration. Dell strongly recommends connecting the stack in a ring topology so that each switch is connected to two other switches. Connecting switches in a ring topology allows the stack to utilize the redundant communication path to each switch. If a switch in a ring topology fails, the stack can automatically establish a new communications path to the other switches. Switches not stacked in a ring topology may split into multiple independent stacks upon the failure of a single switch or stacking link. Additional stacking connections can be made between adjacent switch units to increase the stacking bandwidth, provided that all redundant stacking links have the same bandwidth. It is strongly recommended that the stacking bandwidth be kept equal across of all stacking connections; that is, avoid mixing single and double stacking connections within a stack. Up to eight redundant stacking links can be configured on a stacking unit (four in each direction). Figure 8-1 shows a stack with three switches as stack members connected in a ring topology. 252 Stacking