Switch stacking

Switch stacking is a network configuration technique that combines multiple physical network switches into a single logical unit, allowing them to operate as one cohesive system with unified management, configuration, and forwarding capabilities. This technology creates a stack of interconnected switches using specialized high-speed stacking cables or ports, enabling seamless communication between stack members and providing redundancy for network infrastructure. Stacked switches share a common control plane, meaning they use the same management IP address, configuration files, and routing tables, simplifying network administration and reducing complexity. The stack operates with a master switch that handles management functions while member switches provide additional ports and forwarding capacity.

Switch stacking offers benefits including simplified management, increased port density, improved redundancy through automatic failover, and enhanced scalability without requiring complex spanning tree protocols. Enterprise networks utilize switch stacking to build resilient access layer infrastructure, reduce management overhead, and ensure high availability. Modern stacking implementations support features like cross-stack link aggregation, distributed forwarding, and automatic stack member discovery, making them essential for building scalable, manageable network infrastructures in data centers and enterprise environments.