Release Notes for the Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter (February 2000)

These release notes describe the features and caveats for the GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) that works with IOS Release 12.0(5.1)XP or later. These release notes also contain important information about the device.

Introduction

Using the GigaStack GBIC, you can 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 GigaStack GBIC supports VTP and Media Access Control (MAC) address-based static VLANs. See the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Command Reference publication and the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Enterprise Edition Software Configuration Guide for VLAN configuration information.

An independent spanning-tree instance runs on each VLAN. See the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Command Reference publication and the Cisco IOS Desktop Switching Enterprise Edition Software Configuration Guide for spanning-tree configuration information.

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.

Installation Notes


	Caution Do not use standard IEEE 1394 cables with the GigaStack GBIC. You must use one of the Cisco proprietary cables (CAB-GS-50CM or CAB-GS-1M). If you use any other cable, you will not have connectivity.


	Caution Do not use the GigaStack GBIC with standard IEEE 1394 equipment. You might damage the equipment or lose data.

Each GigaStack GBIC now ships with a removable clip that can be used to provide extra security against accidental cable removal. Install the GBIC clip as follows:

Step 1

Before inserting the Gigastack GBIC into a switch, attach the clip to the GBIC by carefully inserting the tabs on the clip into the slots on either side of the GBIC, in the orientation shown in . Slide the clip toward the port side of the GBIC.

Note You can attach the GigaStack cable connector(s) to the GigaStack GBIC either before or after you insert the GBIC into the switch. Refer to the Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Guide for instructions on installing the GBIC.

Step 2

Insert the cable connector(s) into the GBIC receptacle(s) according to your configuration.

Step 3

Swing the GBIC clip up toward the GBIC so that the alignment bump in the clip seats in the indentation on the bottom of the GBIC.

Step 4

Secure the cable(s) in the notches on the clip. Refer to .
If you have not already done so, insert the GBIC into the switch according to your installation manual instructions.

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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A GigaStack GBIC port within a daisy-chain stack connection is connected to a GigaStack GBIC port of another device in the stack that already has a GigaStack GBIC port connected to a device in that stack: both ports are in the same stack. See .

•

A single GigaStack cable is inserted in port 1 and port 2 of the same GigaStack GBIC. See .

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.

Note You can form a redundant link by connecting two different GigaStack GBICs within the same switch. See the Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Guide.

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 Release 12.0(5.1)XP or later. For software upgrade procedures, see the Release Notes for the appropriate Cisco IOS Release.

Caveats

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 off 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 12.0(5.1)XP.

Related Documentation

The product documentation for the GigaStack GBIC, 3500 XL switches, and the 2900 XL switches is as follows:

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Table Of Contents

Release Notes for Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter

Contents

Introduction