Getting Started Guide 17
Installing as a Free-standing Switch
NOTE: We strongly recommend mounting the switch in a rack.
Install the switch on a flat surface if you are not installing it in a rack. The
surface must be able to support the weight of the switch and the switch
cables. The switch is supplied with four self-adhesive rubber pads.
1
Attach the self-adhesive rubber pads on each location marked on the
bottom of the switch.
2
Set the switch on a flat surface, and make sure that it has proper
ventilation by leaving 5 cm (2 inches) on each side and 13 cm (5 inches) at
the back.
Stacking Multiple N20xx Switches
You can stack N20xx switches up to 12 switches high using the mini-SAS
ports located on the rear of the switch. N20xx switches support stacking only
with other N20xx series switches. When multiple switches are connected
together through the stack ports, they operate as a single unit with up to 576
front panel ports. The stack operates and is managed as a single entity.
NOTE: If you are installing a stack of switches, you need to assemble and cable the
stack before powering up and configuring it. When a stack is powered up for the
first time, the switches elect a Master Switch, which may occupy any location in
the stack. The Master LED on the front panel is illuminated on the master unit.
Creating a Switch Stack
Create a stack by connecting adjacent units using the mini-SAS stacking
ports on the back panel of the switch. Figure 1-8 on page 18 shows the
switches connected in a ring topology, which is the recommended topology
for a stack.
1
Connect one of the mini-SAS cables into either of the stacking ports of the
top switch and the switch directly below it.
If necessary, use a separately purchased, longer (1 meter or 3 meter) mini-
SAS cable to connect the switches.
2
Repeat this process until all of the devices are connected.
3
Use the remaining stacking cable to connect the two remaining stacking
ports together so that a ring topology is assembled.