Interpretation of important parameters of stack switches and their functions

Maximum number of stacks

The maximum number of switches that can be stacked in a stack unit. This parameter specifies the maximum port density available in a stack unit. The primary function after stacking is to provide the same IP address management switch group with multiple ports.

Stack bandwidth

Currently, most switches are stacked through Gigabit expansion slots. The stack bandwidth is only 2 Gbps, which may cause network congestion. Therefore, we recommend that you use products with high stack bandwidth. High stack bandwidth can be provided through high-speed backplane stack connections.

Link aggregation across stacked units

Creating an upstream link with Link aggregation on a single unit in the stack can solve performance problems, but cannot solve reliability problems. This is because the Unit becomes a single failure point. Creating elastic links across stacks can solve reliability problems, but cannot solve performance problems. This is because only one current link exists at a certain time point. The link aggregation function of cross-stack units provides a solution for the above two problems. These links can be allocated across different units in the stack system, solving the problem of one unit limitation in traditional solutions. This means that if a unit fails, it will not cause failure of multiple links aggregation, thus providing the reliability level of the elastic link. At the same time, all links in the Link aggregation work and load network traffic at the same time.

Backplane Throughput

It is also called the backboard bandwidth, which is the maximum data volume that can be handled by the vswitch interface processor or interface card and data bus. The higher the bandwidth of the backboard of A vswitch, the stronger the ability to process data, but the design cost will also rise. However, as the star structure of the master stack switch, the backboard bandwidth should be greater than that of other slave switches, because the master switch can process data and forward data packets at both ends of the stack in addition to the local host.

Max Power Supply

Generally, the core equipment provides redundant power supply. After a power supply fails, other power supplies can continue to provide power, without affecting the normal operation of the equipment. When multiple power supplies are connected, pay attention to the use of multiple mains supply. In this way, when one line fails, other lines can still provide power. In particular, the star stack mode is the main switch. Because the star stack mode is a core network device for the entire stack unit, redundant power supply and redundant modules are indispensable.

Minimum/maximum bandwidth allocation supported

As a stack switch, it is basically used in the edge access layer. bandwidth speed limit and bandwidth allocation are currently one of the important parameters in network planning. Bandwidth allocation is a way for devices to support policy management. Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation can significantly save bandwidth without affecting data transmission quality.

1. Introduction to Cisco 3750 switch Stack