Chapter 2: VCStack Overview
36
VCStack Introduction
This chapter describes Virtual Chassis Stacking (VCStack), its features,
and basic connection examples.
VCStack is a group of physically separate switches that are configured to
operate as a single logical switch. In order to function as a VCStack, its
component switches are connected using high-speed stacking links.
Features of
Virtual Chassis
Stacking
Creating a VCStack greatly eases network management, because you
can configure all the stacked devices via a single IP address. Creating a
VCStack will often eliminate your need to configure protocols such as
VRRP and Spanning Tree. VCStack also enables you to create highly
resilient networks. This resiliency can be applied in several ways.
Within the stack itself, switch interconnection is via two links. The second
link is able to provide an alternative data path, thus the stack will continue
to function if a single switch fails. Degraded performance might occur
however, due to the reduced VCStack bandwidth.
User ports can also be made extremely resilient by utilizing link
aggregation. Aggregated links can span ports, modules, and even
switches within the stack. Creating aggregated links that span multiple
switches within a stack creates an extremely resilient configuration.
Communication will still exist even if a switch and its aggregated ports fail.
See Figure 13 on page 39.
Caution
Stack operation is only supported if STACK VIRTUAL-MAC is
enabled. For more information, refer to the STACK VIRTUAL-MAC
command in the
AT-DC2552XS / L3 Management Software
Command Line Interface User’s Guide
.
VCStack Capable
Switches
VCStack is supported on the following Allied Telesis switch types:
SwitchBlade® x8100 Series (VCStack Plus)
x900-24XT, x900-24XS, x900-24XT-N
x900-12XT/s
SwitchBlade® x908
AT-DC2552XS / L3
x610 Series
x510 Series
IX5-28GPX
x310 Series
Summary of Contents for AT-DC2552XS
Page 1: ...613 002097 Rev A AT DC2552XS L3 ENTERPRISE CORE SWITCH Installation Guide...
Page 8: ...Figures 8...
Page 10: ...Tables 10...
Page 14: ...Preface 14...
Page 34: ...Chapter 1 Overview 34...
Page 44: ...Chapter 2 VCStack Overview 44...
Page 86: ...Chapter 7 Managing the Switch 86...
Page 90: ...Chapter 8 Troubleshooting 90...