Rel Notes for Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter (July 1999)
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Release Notes for Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter
Maximum GigaStack GBICs in a Daisy-Chain Configuration
Cable Insert Might Disable Traffic
Catalyst 3500 and Catalyst 2900 XL Software Caveats
Release Notes for Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter
July 6, 1999
These release notes describe the features and caveats for the GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC). These release notes also contain important information about the device.
Contents
These release notes contain the following topics:
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"Introduction" section
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Introduction
The GigaStack GBIC allows you to stack up to nine switches to form an independent backbone that can be managed with a single IP address. This stack gives the appearance of a single large switch for network management purposes. You can also form a point-to-point link between two switches. The GigaStack GBIC supports one full-duplex link (in a point-to-point link) or up to eight half-duplex links (in a stack configuration) to other Gigabit Ethernet devices.
The GigaStack GBIC can add port density to a Catalyst 3500 XL or Catalyst 2900 XL network. You can install the GigaStack GBIC in a 3500 XL switch or into a 1000BaseX module that resides in a modular 2900 XL switch. When installed in a 3500 XL switch or a 2900 XL module, the GigaStack GBIC supports 1000BaseX connections. The GigaStack GBIC autonegotiates the duplex settings of each port to maximize the bandwidth for your configuration.
The maximum distance for a GigaStack GBIC-to-GigaStack GBIC connection is 1 meter. The GigaStack GBIC requires Cisco proprietary cabling.
Features
The following features are supported on the GigaStack GBIC:
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The GigaStack GBIC supports VTP and Media Access Control (MAC) address-based static VLANs. See the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Command Reference publication and Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Enterprise Edition Software Configuration Guide for VLAN configuration information.
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An independent spanning tree instance runs on each VLAN. See the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Command Reference publication and Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Enterprise Edition Software Configuration Guide for spanning-tree configuration information.
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The GigaStack GBIC supports setting a trunk to IEEE 802.1Q or ISL mode. Enter the switchport mode trunk command to configure trunk ports and to add VLANs to the allowed VLAN list for existing trunks. See the switchport mode trunk command description in the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Command Reference publication.
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Installation Notes
Caution
Important Notes
Types of Loops Not Permitted
Do not create a loop in a stack configuration within a single GBIC. A loop occurs when one of the following conditions occurs:
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Figure 1
Incorrect Cabling of Switches in a Stack
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Figure 2 Incorrect Cabling in a Single Switch
A loop causes excessive collision errors on the port and might cause the link to become unstable. This instability decreases performance on the links, and communication between the switches in the stack is adversely affected. For proper configuration scenarios, see the Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Guide.
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Maximum GigaStack GBICs in a Daisy-Chain Configuration
The maximum number of GigaStack GBICs allowed in a daisy-chain configuration is nine.
Switch Software Requirement
To use the GigaStack GBIC with a 3500 XL switch or 2900 XL modular switch, ensure that the switch is running IOS version 11.2(8.1)SA6 or later. For software upgrade procedures, see the Release Notes for Cisco IOS Release 11.2(8.2)SA6.
Caveats
Cable Insert Might Disable Traffic
With IOS Release 11.2(8.1)SA6, you might experience a problem with traffic flow in one direction when you insert a cable. To determine if this problem exists, use the ping command on a station located on one end of the stack to verify connectivity to a station on the other end of the stack.
If this problem exists, you can work around it by doing one of the following:
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Step 1
Switch> enableStep 2
Switch# config tStep 3
Switch(config)# interface Gix/yStep 4
Switch(config-if)# duplex halfStep 5
Step 6
Switch(config-if)# duplex autoStep 7
Switch(config-if)# end
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Documentation Correction
The Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Guide states that the GigaStack GBIC LED turns amber if you use a cable other than GigaStack cables. This function has changed. The LED remains dark if you use a cable other than the GigaStack cables.
Catalyst 3500 and Catalyst 2900 XL Software Caveats
For a list of Catalyst 3500 and Catalyst 2900 software caveats, refer to the Release Notes for Cisco IOS Release 11.2(8.2)SA6.
Related Documentation
The product documentation for the GigaStack GBIC, 3500 XL switches, and the 2900 XL switches is as follows:
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