To stack or not to stack new fibre connected switch.

Hello All,

I've got an existing stack of 2x 6248 + 1X 6248P switches, connected using the stacking modules and cables in the first bay on the rear of the switches, so the stacking cable layout looks like this:

6248 1/xg1 -> 2/xg2

6248P 2/xg1 -> 3/xg2

6248 3/xg1 -> 1/xg2

I'm adding a 6224 switch to extend our network, and this will be connected back to the main switches over fibre (it's located in a separate builing around 300 meters from the network cabinet).

I've got a dual port SFP+ module in the 6248p switch in the main stack with one SFP+ transceiver, this is port 2/xg3.

The 6224 switch has a dual port SFP+ module and and SFP+ Transceiver in port xg1.

I'm testing the configuration before putting into production, and just by connecting everything up and power up the 6224 switch, I have connectivity across the fibre. So, now the connections look like this:

6248 1/xg1 -> 2/xg2

6248P 2/xg1 -> 3/xg2     2/xg3 -> 4/xg1

6248 3/xg1 -> 1/xg2

However, the 6224 switch isn't currently a stack member, the connection is listed as "ethernet" as opposed to "stack".

The network configuration is pretty straightforward, e.g. no vlans etc. So, my question is, is there any advantage or disadvantage to making this switch a stack member (apart from the advantage of being able to manage it as part of the stack).

If it does make sense to stack the 6224, what is the recommended cabling configuration or would I need another SFP + module in another switch & transceivers & fibre runs etc. to give some redundancy?

Thanks,

Brian