How to Stack Dell Networking PowerConnect 5500 model switches

Summary: Learn more about How to Stack Dell Networking PowerConnect 5500 model switches.

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Instructions

Objectives


1. Stacking Overview
2. Cabling the Stack
3. Unit ID Assignment
4. Completing the Stack


Stacking Overview

Dell PowerConnect stacking provides multiple switch management through a single point as if all stack members are a single unit. All stack members are accessed through a single IP address through which the stack is managed.

Each switch is a member in a stack, although the stack may consist of only a single switch. Up to eight switches are supported per stack. All stacks must have a Primary unit, and may have a Primary Backup unit. All other switches are connected to the stack as members.
 

Cabling the Stack

PowerConnect 5500 series switches use two HDMI 10G ports for stacking.  

NOTE: It is highly recommended to use the supported Dell PowerConnect 55xx stacking cables; not all universal HDMI cable version 1.4 work.

 
To connect the switches in the stack:

1. Insert one end of an HDMI cable into the left-hand HDMI port on the switch at the top of the stack and the other end into the right-hand HDMI port of the switch immediately below it.

2. Repeat this process until all switches are connected.

3. (Optional) Connect the left-hand HDMI port of the bottom switch of the stack to the right-hand HDMI port of the top switch of the stack. This step provides increased bandwidth and redundancy.
 



HOW10728_en_US__15500 Stack

 

Unit ID Assignment

The Unit ID of each switch can be either automatically assigned or manually assigned, as described below.
 

Automatic Assignment
 

When you power up the stack, each switch is assigned a unique Unit ID. This is displayed on the front panel of the switch. 
The switch that is assigned Unit ID 1 is the Primary unit, by default. The switch that is assigned Unit ID 2 is the Primary Backup unit.
 

Manual Assignment
 

Follow these steps to manual set the Unit ID:
 
  1. Connect to the switch console
  2. Turn on the switch to begin auto boot and press Return or Esc to about and enter the Start Up menu.
  3. Select Stack menu to open the Stack Menu.
  4. Select Set unit stack id. Enter either a Unit ID or 0. 0 indicates that the unit ID should be assigned automatically.
 
NOTE: Only units 1 and 2 can be Primary or Backup units. Units 3-8 can only be standby units.
 
 

Completing the Stack

Once the Cables are installed, power on the switches letting them come up with a Unit ID whether it is automatically or manually assigned.

Affected Products

PowerConnect 5524, PowerConnect 5524P, PowerConnect 5548, PowerConnect 5548p
Article Properties
Article Number: 000120108
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 31 Dec 2025
Version:  8
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