Using the plug-and-go method

1. Install a Stacking Module into each 3810M switch that will be in the stack, as described in the Installation and Getting Started Guide for the switch, but do not connect them together with stacking cables yet.

2. Make sure that stacking is enabled for each switch.

   1. You can determine this by connecting a console to each switch and entering the command show stacking from the switch CLI.

   2. If stacking is disabled, enter the command stacking enable. This command causes the switch to reboot.

   NOTE:

   By default, stacking is enabled on all the 3810M switches when a Stacking Module is installed before the switch is powered up for the first time, but if the switches were powered up without a Stacking Module installed, then stacking is disabled.

   If you are connecting stacking cables during/after switch boot, then multiple stacks can form (plug-and-go method).

3. Connect the stacking cables between the switches to form the desired stacking topology, then power on all switches.

When the switches that are stacked together complete booting up, one of the switches is elected as the Commander, one of the switches is elected as the Standby, the remaining switches become Members of the stack, and the stack becomes fully operational.

To find out the roles of the switches in the stack, connect a console to any of the switches and enter the show stacking command. You can use the MAC address and other information in the display to determine the roles of each of the switches.