Installing an additional switch

[TheRaidersRock]

We have two 2900 series xl switches, one 12 port and one 24 port. All available ports are now filled and we want to add a third 2900 to give us room to grow. In essence, the third switch needs to act as an extension of the other two. What do I need to do to accomplish that? It's been secured and configured for the appropriate vlans- is there anything I'm missing? What's the best way to connect it to the other two? I want to make sure it's correct before putting it into production. Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
RaiderFan

 

[vipergg]

The best way would be to have a 2900 on top and then plug the other two into it vian crossover cables . Really nothing special needed , i am assuming this is all one subnet so it shouldn't be a problem hooking them all together . Just plug the bottom 2 2900's into port 1 and 2 of the top switch and away you go . User ports should have portfast applied.

 

[TheRaidersRock]

Thank you for your fast response- I really appreciate it. The other two are each connected to each other and to the router. Could I still attach the new 2900 to one of the original two switches via crossover cable- or does it also need to connect to the router? And does trunking need to be configured for the ports that will join the switches together?
Thanks again.

 

[chieftan999]

Trunking only needs to be implemented if you are running more than one VLAN. If that is the case then you will need to enable 802.1Q trunking for the tagged packets.

Also, have you started to think about STP???? Probably dont need to just yet, but beware of looping issues as you add more and more layer 2 devices to your network.

Reamin positive. The affect on those around you will amaze.

 

[TheRaidersRock]

STP? Yes- definitely. We already have a fairly good size network- the switches in question are part of only one of our departments, so STP is very important for us!

 

[vipergg]

You don't have to connect to the router if the additional switch is going to be in the same subnet , just connect the 2900's to the top 2900 and then you have 1 link from the top 2900 back to the router assuming they are all on the same subnet . Trunking of any type is not needed in this case .

 

[TheRaidersRock]

Excellent!

Thank you both very much for your help.