FlexStack Vs. StackWisePlus

[Mitesh Manwatkar]

Hi,

What is difference between FlexStack and StackWisePlus.

Regards.

[Leo Laohoo]

They both mean the same.  FlexStack is stacking 2960S together.  It's "different" because the bandwidth is lower (10 Gbps full duplex for 2960S) and you can only stack up to four 2960S together.  

FlexStack is also used for the newer 2960X/XR.   But for 2960X/XR, the bandwidth is higher and you can stack up to nine 2960X/XR.

It's called "Flex"Stack because when you order 2960S/X/XR, the FlexStack module is optional, hence "flexible".  It's not like 3750, 3650 and 3850 where stacking is "there" whether you like it or not.  

[Mitesh Manwatkar]

So is bandwidth the difference..???

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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Posting

As already noted by Leo, original FlexStack is 10g, duplex, per port.

StackWisePlus, I believe, is 16g, duplex, per port.

FlexStack stacks up 4, FlexStackPlus up to 8, StackWisePlus up to 9.

I believe StackWisePlus has much faster stack master recovery.

PS:

BTW, the later 3650 and 3850 offer more stack bandwidth.

[Mitesh Manwatkar]

I have three 3750-X switches in a stack with redundant flexlinks.

D_Production_Stack-1#sh switch stack-ring speed

Stack Ring Speed        : 32G
Stack Ring Configuration: Full
Stack Ring Protocol     : StackWisePlus

The stack ring speed is 32G....what it means here?

[Leo Laohoo]

3750/3750G has a stack ring speed of 16 Gbps (full duplex).  3750E/X has a stack ring of 32 Gbps (full duplex). 

[Mitesh Manwatkar]

In a stack the master handles the management plane and control plane.

how does data plane acts here?can a member make a decision if both engress and ingress traffic is on its local ports.

[Leo Laohoo]

All decision is done by the designated switch stack master.  All data goes up and down the stack.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

Disclaimer

The Author of this posting offers the information contained within this posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose. Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of this posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.

Liability Disclaimer

In no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising out of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if Author has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

Posting

As also noted by Leo, all control plane is managed by stack master.

Data plan is done by each stack member.

[e.ciollaro]

Hi,

may be this will be useful: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-2960-series-switches/white_paper_c11-578928.html

(see paragraph FlexStack Comparison with StackWise Plus)