Primary Features and Benefits

Ease of Use: “Plug-and-Play” Configuration

A working stack is self-managing and self-configuring. When switches are added or removed, the master switch automatically loads the Cisco IOS^® Software revision running on the stack to the new switch, loads the global configuration parameters, and updates all the routing tables to reflect changes. Upgrades are applied universally and simultaneously to all members of the stack.

The Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series stacks up to nine switches as a single logical unit for a total of 468 Ethernet or PoE 10/100 ports, or 468 Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports or PoE 10/100/1000 ports, or nine 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Additional port combinations can be created by connecting the Cisco Catalyst 3750-E Series Switches to the stack. Individual 10/100, 10/100/1000, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet units can be joined in any combination to evolve with network needs.

Return on Investment Through Lower Operations Costs

The automatic Cisco IOS Software version checking and loading of the global configuration parameters provide the first level of operational time saving. The second level is added during the event of an outage. When you remove a troubled switch from an existing stack of switches and replace it with another switch, the master switch will recognize this as a maintenance outage and automatically reload the port-level configuration that was on the previous switch without user intervention. This allows IT managers to have local personnel in remote locations perform maintenance tasks instead of sending costly technicians out for a few minutes of work, thus saving thousands of dollars in operational costs.

Mix-and-Match Switch Types: Pay as You Expand Your Network

Stacks can be created with any combination of Cisco Catalyst 3750 and Cisco Catalyst 3750-E switches. Customers who need a mixture of 10/100 and 10/100/1000 ports, PoE, and wiring-closet aggregation capability can incrementally develop the access environment, paying only for what they need. When uplink capacity needs to be increased, you can easily upgrade your bandwidth by adding a 10 Gigabit Ethernet version to the stack and upgrade your Gigabit Ethernet links with 10 Gigabit Ethernet on the existing fiber.