The stack is formed by each node supplying a pair of full-duplex, logical stacking ports. Each node can operate on a stack with full duplex throughput up to the limits found in ExtremeSwitching and Summit Switches: Hardware Installation Guide for Switches Using ExtremeXOS 21.1 or Later.
Even though two links are available, the links might not be fully utilized. For example, suppose there is a ring of eight nodes and the nodes are numbered clockwise from 1 to 8. The stacking port limit in this example is 10 Gbps in each direction for a total stack throughput of 20 Gbps for each port, or 40 Gbps total. Suppose node 1 wants to send 10 Gbps of unicast traffic to each of node 2 and node 3. The shortest path topology forces all traffic from node 1 over the link to node 2. Traffic from node 1 to node 3 passes through node 2. Thus, there is only 10 Gbps link available. However, if node 1 wanted to send 10 Gbps to node 2 and node 8, there would be 20 Gbps available because both links connected to node 1 would be used.
In a ring of eight nodes, between any two nodes, only one link is used. If the devices provide 48 1-Gbps Ethernet ports, the overcommitment ratio between two such nodes is approximately 5:1.
Print
this page
Email this topic
Feedback
View PDF
Download EPUB