Specifications

S25P Quick Reference 9
Connecting Stacking Ports (optional)
You can connect up to eight switches (S25P and S50V) together through their stack ports to configure them
to act as a unified system, called a stack.
The S25P contains two expansion slots in the rear, in either of which you can insert stacking modules. The
S25P system includes two optional types of stacking module — a single-port 24G module and a two-port
12G module. You can put either type of module in either of the two slots in the rear of the S25P, but you
cannot interconnect the two types, and Force10 does not support the use of all four ports of two 24G
modules.
Use the optional stacking cables to connect the switches through the stack ports. One possible
configuration is depicted below.
Figure 2 Connecting Stack Ports
Note: The original S50 model stacks only with other switches of that model.
Note: Figure on page 9 shows a connection between the top and bottom switches, from Stack
Port A on unit 1 to Stack Port B on unit 3. That connection completes a topology called a ring. That
ring is not necessary, because the ports are bi-directional, but a ring provides redundancy in case
of a failure of a stacking cable or port. If you use the single-port 24G modules, you can insert one
in each expansion slot to accomplish the ring topology.
Note: These instructions use “Stack Port A” and “Stack Port B” for clarifying the connections, but
the modules are not labeled.
Note: The connectors in Figure 2 are depicted with captive screws. Instead, the connectors used on S25P
stack ports have latches, the same connectors as used for CX4 connections.
fn00152s25P
Stack Port A Stack Port B