March 2013 Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v14.1 7-65
7.2.1.1 Stacking Switches
Stacking switches provide the preferred method for creating an inter-switch connection within a Layer
2 network infrastructure. Stacking is typically accomplished using a vendor proprietary, high-
bandwidth, low-latency interconnect that allows two or more switches to be connected in such a way
that each switch becomes part of a larger, virtual switch. A stackable switch will provide a set of
dedicated stacking ports. Installation of an optional stacking module may be required. Considerations
for stacking link bandwidth:
1Gb Switches The stacking link bandwidth should be at least 10Gb/s in each direction on
each wire (full-duplex) to provide adequate throughput to support an
EqualLogic SAN consisting of 1Gb arrays.
10Gb Switches The stacking link bandwidth should be at least 40Gb/s in each direction on
each wire (full-duplex) to provide adequate throughput to support an
EqualLogic SAN consisting of 10Gb arrays or a mix of 1Gb and 10Gb arrays.
7.2.1.2 Non-Stacking Switches
Non-stacking switches do not have a dedicated switch interconnect. In this case to create an
interconnect between the switches you must utilize one or more ports on each switch to create a Link
Aggregation Group (LAG). This type of Inter-switch connection should utilize link aggregation
functions (if provided by the switch) to aggregate multiple Ethernet ports into a single, logical high
bandwidth interconnect. There are several options depending on the vendor of the switch. Table 23
describes the most common options.
Note: For best performance and reliability, we recommend that all interconnection paths
between non-stacking switches (LAGs) use a dynamic link aggregation protocol such as
LACP.
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