Stackable Configuration Switches
Stackable configuration switches can be interconnected using a special cable that provides
high-bandwidth throughput between the switches (Figure 4). Cisco StackWise technology
allows the interconnection of up to nine switches. Switches can be stacked one on top of
the other with cables connecting the switches in a daisy chain fashion. The stacked switches effectively operate as a single larger switch. Stackable switches are desirable where fault
tolerance and bandwidth availability are critical and a modular switch is too costly to
implement. Using cross-connected connections, the network can recover quickly if a single
switch fails. Stackable switches use a special port for interconnections. Many Cisco stackable switches also support StackPower technology, which enables power sharing among
stack members.