Introduction to switch management

Stacking enables you to use a single IP address and standard network cabling to manage a group of up to 16 total switches in the same IP subnet (broadcast domain). Using stacking, you can:

Reduce the number of IP addresses needed in your network.
Simplify management of small workgroups or wiring closets while scaling your network to handle increased bandwidth demand.
Eliminate any specialized cables for stacking connectivity and remove the distance barriers that typically limit your topology options when using other stacking technologies.
Add switches to your network without having to first perform IP addressing tasks.

NOTE:

When an older model of switch is running as the commander of a stack, the web GUI cannot be used to monitor or manage a stack member that is of a newer switch generation.
In the default configuration, stacking in the "candidate" state is enabled.
For additional rules and restrictions, see Operating rules for stacking.