Stacking a Cisco 3750 Switch

Stacking a Cisco 3750 Switch

Side note: I really like the Dell PowerConnect switches over the Cisco Switches, because with the Dell Switches, firmware updates are free and unlimited AND the firmware will copy over from the switch with the most recent release.

How to install Cisco 3750 switch.

1. Ensure that the stars are aligned.
2. Check the Firmware and the IOS version.
   ....in my case the firmware was 12.35 (SE), with IPBASE-M
3. Ensure the second switch is powered off.
4. Make the first switch the master with highest priority 15.
5. on the second switch, power it up but don't have it connected to anything. Use the console cable and default the Cisco 3750 switch.

How to default the switch...

1. #write erase
2. #reload
3. save config? N
4. Proceed with reload? Y
5. en
6. dir flash:
7. delete flash: vlan.dat
8. confirm? Y
9. reload

Then...

6. Power off the second switch and leave the first switch connected.
7. Taking a flat head screwdriver, stack the switches together with crossover link. Ensure the bottom switch is connected to the top to complete circuit and get full stack.
8. Power on the second switch, and it should add itself as a member of the stacked switch.


Helpful commands

show switch
show switch detail
show switch stack-ring speed

When I get a moment, I'll post actual output of these commands....