22 | Install the S55
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The S55 supports stacking in either a ring or cascade topology. Dell Force10 recommends the ring
topology when stacking S55 switches, to provide redundant connectivity.
Figure 4-1. S55 stacking topology with 2-port 12G stacking module
While the diagram shows A-to-B connections, the ports are bi-directional, so you can connect A-to-A or
B-to-B, as shown below in examples of two-switch (
Figure 4-2
or
Figure 4-3
). Rack-mount the switches
or insert them into a cabinet before you make your stacking port connections. Insert one end of the
stacking cable into a stacking port, and insert the other end into a stacking port of the adjacent switch.
Hand-tighten all captive screws to ensure that the cable is secure in the connector.
Connect two S55s
2-port 12G stacking modules
As an option, when using the 2-port 12G stacking modules, insert a second cable into the other open stack
ports, as shown in
Figure 4-2
. The second cable provides both backup connectivity and increased data
transfer between the units.
Starting with the S55 at the bottom of the stack:
• Insert one end of the first cable into Stack Port 48 (or 49).
• Insert the other end of the cable into Stack Port 48 (or 49) of the top.
• Insert a second cable into Stack Port 49 (or 48) of the bottom and top S55s.
Switch 1
Switch 2
Switch 3
Switch 1
Switch 2
Switch 3
48 49
48 49
48 49
48 49
48 49
48 49