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Newbie needs suggestions on adding a switch 1

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kmcferrin

MIS
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I was wondering if someone could give me a couple of pointers on the following: I need to install another switch to our network at the office, I inherited our current config, and I'm pretty green when it comes to Cisco switches. I can add routes, VLANs, etc, and have spent some time working with Cluster Management Suite.

At the moment we have 9 Catalyst 3750-48+4 switches configured into a couple of stacks. Our MDF stack has 7 switches configured as a stack using the Stackwise cables. Our IDF has the other 2 switches configured as a stack using Stackwise cables. The IDF is connected to the MDF command switch via fiber on an SFP connector. There are 8 VLANs spread across various stack members, and one of the VLANs is on both the MDF and IDF stacks. The stacks are also configured as routers/gateways between subnets/VLANs.

The 10th switch that we need to add is in a new closet that is connected via a fiber run. We already have the new 3750-48+4 and SFP modules to connect the switch back to the MDF command switch. Looking over the documentation it seems like I should be able to run the quick config/setup for the new switch, assign a new hostname an IP address, and then access it from the CMS to add VLANs, etc. Am I missing something glaringly obvious?

Other questions:

Is it better to do all of the physical connections before running the initial config, or does it matter?

Are SFP modules hot pluggable, or will I need to take down my command switch to add the new SFP?

Is there any additional configuration to be done when adding an SFP, or does it automatically identify itself and get configured as the correct type of port?

The new switch will be the lone switch in it's area, not a stack member. How much of a pain is it to add another switch and make a stack later on? Would I be better off shelling out for a second switch now and just doing it, or is it fairly easy to grow the stack later on?
 
It is wise to do a physical (DOA) test before configuring the switch.

SFP modules are hot plugable.
SFP are configured by the switch itself.

Be sure to "no shut" VLAN1 on the new switch

Adding a switch later to form a new stack is no problem.
Buy the 2nd switch when you need it.

Set the SNMP and SpanningTree parameters correctly.

 
I assume that "no shut" is the CATOS equivalent of "no shutdown"?
 
Err...nevermind. I see that it takes abbreviations. Cool.

Thanks for your help, the config was a snap. Far easier than I expected.

 
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