SummitStack Topologies

Example of a Stack, Showing the Active Topology and the Stack Topology presents a graphical representation of a stack and some of the terms that describe stack conditions.

Example of a Stack, Showing the Active Topology and the Stack Topology

A stack is the collection of all switches, or nodes, that are cabled together to form one virtual switch using the ExtremeXOS SummitStack feature.

The maximum cable length supported between switches depends on the types of switches in your stack, the installed option cards, and the configured stacking ports. For more information, see Extreme Switching and Summit Switches: Hardware Installation Guide for ExtremeXOS 21.1 or Later.

A stack topology is the set of contiguous nodes that are powered up and communicating with each other. In the example shown, Switch 8 is not part of the stack topology because it is not powered up.

An active topology is the set of contiguous nodes that are active. An active node is powered up, is configured for stack operation, and is communicating with the other active nodes.

Switch 5 in the example has failed, stacking is disabled on Switches 6 and 7, and Switch 8 has no power. As a result, the active topology includes Switches 1 through 4 only.