The top and bottom switches in the stack are neighbors for the purpose of this connectivity. These two stack ports on each switch are connected to their neighbor, defined as physically located above and below. This is true of all switches in the stack. Viewed as above from the rear the stack port on the left is Port1 and the one on the right Port2. Here’s Cisco’s recommendation:Įach switch has two stack ports to which stackwise cables are connected. Else read on to explore stacking in more depth.įirst physically connect the switches using stackwise cables. If you’ve cabled up your switches and need a reminder or quickstart guide on what to do next (aka show me the minimum i need to get the job done), click here to go to the guide at the end of the article. Adding or replacing a switch in an existing stack.What’s the most efficient way to configure these switches into a stack? I’m glad you asked. all switches in the stack appear as a single switch on the cli.stackwise maximises bandwidth between switches in stack (160G).Cosmetics aside using stackwise is a better option for a number of reasons: The alternative way of interconnecting the switches would be to daisychain the switches using the ports on the front of the switch. Members work together as a unified system, appearing administratively as a single switch. A switch stack of 3650/3850s (note you can’t mix these in a stack) can have up to nine stacking-capable switches connected through their stackwise ports. “Stacking” switches involves connecting multiple switches together using special StackWise ports on the rear of the switch.Įach switch in the stack is referred to a member of the stack.