Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed Switches Quick Start Guide 11
Stacking the Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed 
Switches
Before configuring the switches as a stack, refer to the Cisco 550X Series 
Stackable Managed Switches Administration Guide for additional details. 
Refer to the front panel graphics in Cisco 550X Series Stackable 
Managed Switches Features to help with the stack port descriptions and 
supported modules.
By default the ports on a switch function as regular Ethernet ports except if 
you configure them to do stacking. You cannot mix the stack speeds 
between the switches or ports.
WARNING Stack ports must be either configured with the same port 
speed or have the same speed capability on the module or 
cable plug in. If the port speed is configured as auto, then the 
module plugged into these two ports will need to have the 
same speed capability, otherwise the switch will not be able to 
form as a stack with multiple units.
A stack can have up to eight Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed 
Switches in it. Any 10G port of the switch can be used for stacking. The 
switch can only be stacked with the Cisco 550X Series Stackable 
Managed Switches without Mesh topology. 
The switches in the same stack are connected together through their stack 
ports. Depending on the type of stack ports and the desired speed, you 
may need regular Cat6A or better Ethernet cables and/or Cisco approved 
modules or cables for the Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed 
Switches. 
Cisco 550X Series Stackable Managed 
Switches Features
This section describes the available product models and the exterior of the 
switch to help familiarize you with your switch.