17 stack – Interlogix GE-DSSG-244-POE User Manual User Manual
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IFS NS3601-24P/4S GE-DSSG-244 and 244-POE User Manual
252
4.17 Stack
Using Stacking, it is possible to connect a number of switches together in a stack, which behaves as a single switch as seen from
outside the stack.
Two types of stack topologies are supported:
Ring topology
Chain topology (same as a disconnected ring)
Multiple IFS series devices may be connected together to constitute a ring or chain stack topology using the STX / 5Gbps ports as
interconnect links. Dedicated stacking features built into IFS series makes all devices in the stack operate together as a single,
much larger switch. Among the stacking features are:
Hardware controlled stack wide learning and continuous automatic MAC table synchronization
Shortest path forwarding, providing low latency and optimal use of stacking link bandwidth
QoS consistency across stack
Single point of management for simple stack administration
Low Cost and Flexible HDMI-like Stacking cables
Real Plug and Play connectivity
The following figure shows an example with five devices in a ring topology stack. Each device in the stack is, in a stack context,
called a unit. The ports connecting the units are called stack ports, and the ports connecting to external hosts and switches are
called front ports.
Chain Stack:
A chain of switches, that is, no redundant forwarding paths.
Figure 4-17-1
Chain Stack topology
Ring Stack:
A ring of switches, thereby providing redundant forwarding paths.