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Catalyst 3850 Switch Hardware Installation Guide
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Chapter 2 Switch Installation
Data Stack Cabling Configurations
Switch Stacking and Power Stacking Guidelines
For general concepts and management procedures for switch stacks, see the switch software
configuration guide on Cisco.com.
Before connecting the switches in a stack, keep in mind these stacking guidelines:
• Size of the switch and any optional power-supply module. The 1100-W power-supply module is
longer than the other modules. Stacking switches with the same power-supply modules together
makes it easier to cable the switches. For switch dimensions, see Appendix A, “Technical
Specifications.”
• Length of cable. Depending on the configurations that you have, you might need different-sized
cables. If you do not specify the length of the StackWise cable, the 0.5-meter cable is supplied. If
you need the 1-meter cable or the 3-meter cable, you can order it from your Cisco supplier. For cable
part numbers, see the “StackWise Ports” section on page 1-18. The “Data Stack Cabling
Configurations” section on page 2-5 provides examples of recommended configurations.
• For rack-mounted switch stacks that are members of a StackPower stack as well as a data stack, see
the “Planning a StackPower Stack” section on page 2-8.
• You can create data stacks with up to four switches in a stack.
Data Stack Cabling Configurations
Figure 2-1 is an example of a recommended configuration that uses the supplied 0.5-meter StackWise
cable. In this example, the switches are stacked in a vertical rack or on a table. This configuration
provides redundant connections.
The configuration example (Figure 2-1) uses the supplied 0.5-meter StackWise cable. The example
shows the full-ring configuration that provides redundant connections.
Figure 2-1 Data Stacking the Catalyst 3850 Switches in a Rack or on a Table Using the 0.5-meter
StackWise Cables
Figure 2-2 shows a recommended configuration when the switches are mounted side-by-side. Use the
1-meter and the 3-meter StackWise cables to connect the switches. This configuration provides
redundant connections.
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