howto cascade (connect) PowerConnect 5224 and PowerConnect 5324

Question

hi

howto cascade (connect) 2 DELL Switches:
PowerConnect 5224 and PowerConnect 5324 on the same network ?

at the moment both switches are connected via ports 1/1 and g1 with a straight Network Ethernet Cable RJ45

do I need create VLAN and setup Link Aggregation Lacp on these ports ?

and what about Spanning Tree ?
should be switched off on these ports ?

greetings
anonimous

Message Edited by anonimous on 12-30-2005 10:01 AM

DELL-Randy · Answer

In the most simple configuration, you would only need to interconnect the (2) units via a CAT5 (or higher specification) ethernet cable.

VLANs should not be configured unless there is a specific need to segment the topology. If VLANs are a necessity, the interfaces that connect the 5224 and the 5324 should be configured as trunk mode ports and have the necessary VLANs assigned.

Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) are intended to provide more bandwidth due to connectivity or performance issues attributed to congestion. If there is not a demand for additional bandwidth, LAGs may not need to be configured.

Spanning Tree would ideally be left enabled on interfaces that connect networking devices -- i.e. switches, routers, etc.. Interfaces that connect end-user devices -- i.e. workstations, servers, printers, etc. may have the option of "portfast" enabled to bypass the algorithm and transition into a forwarding state as soon as a link is established.

Hope this helps.

Message Edited by DELL-Randy on 01-05-2006 05:55 PM

krolk · Answer

thanks a lot ! and what about Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol RSTP ? are there the same rules like normal Spanning Tree ?

DELL-Randy · Answer

Essentially, the same theory applies in regards to redundancy, loops in the topology, and configuration -- portfast is still applicable, there is still a root bridge, redundant links will not transition into a forwarding state, etc..

However, the two protocols do have their invidual characteristics that would be worth understanding.

krolk · Answer

thanks, and should I enable or disable STP on ports connected to the firewall ?

DELL-Randy · Answer

You firewall will be a Layer 3 device, thereby surpassing the limitation of the Layer 2 Spanning Tree technology.  Essentially, your firewall will segment the network via subnets instead of logical bridges, thus the Spanning Tree BPDUs will not cross the separate broadcast domains and a loop will not be formed.   In short, it would be more beneficial to enable portfast on an interface rather than disable Spanning Tree if the delay is a point of concern.

Networking General

howto cascade (connect) PowerConnect 5224 and PowerConnect 5324

Was this post helpful?