Cisco C2960X-STACK
Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack Plus Stacking Module
Product Highlights
Managing dozens of standalone access-layer switches across campus wiring closets creates operational overhead that drains IT resources. The Cisco C2960X-STACK FlexStack-Plus Stacking Module solves this by enabling up to eight Catalyst 2960-X or 2960-XR Series switches to operate as a single logical unit — managed through one IP address, one configuration file, and one control plane.
The C2960X-STACK delivers up to 80 Gbps of bidirectional stacking bandwidth over copper FlexStack-Plus cables, providing a high-throughput interconnect between stack members. Its hot-swappable, plug-in design means you can add stacking capability to an existing Catalyst 2960-X deployment without downtime — simply insert the module into the rear FlexStack-Plus slot, connect a stacking cable, and the switch automatically joins the stack and synchronizes its Cisco IOS Software version.
For organizations with a mixed install base, the C2960X-STACK is backward compatible with the original FlexStack technology, allowing Catalyst 2960-X LAN Base switches to stack alongside Catalyst 2960-S LAN Base switches. Whether you're consolidating access-layer management in a campus environment, scaling a branch office, or building resilient wiring-closet stacks, the C2960X-STACK is the essential building block for simplified, scalable Cisco Catalyst 2960-X deployments.
Features & Benefits
High-Bandwidth Stacking
The C2960X-STACK provides up to 80 Gbps of bidirectional stacking bandwidth, ensuring that inter-switch traffic flows at wire speed across the stack backplane. This high-capacity interconnect prevents the stack link from becoming a performance bottleneck, even in dense access-layer deployments with heavy east-west traffic.
Unified Stack Management
By stacking up to 8 Catalyst 2960-X switches into a single logical unit, the C2960X-STACK dramatically reduces management complexity. Administrators manage the entire stack through a single IP address and a unified configuration, cutting the number of devices to monitor and maintain by up to 8×.
Hot-Swappable, Zero-Downtime Installation
The module is fully hot-swappable — it can be inserted into or removed from the rear FlexStack-Plus slot without powering off the switch. New stack members automatically upgrade to the stack's Cisco IOS Software version and transparently join the stack, requiring no manual intervention.
Investment Protection with FlexStack Backward Compatibility
FlexStack-Plus is backward compatible with the original FlexStack technology. Catalyst 2960-X LAN Base switches equipped with a C2960X-STACK module can form mixed stacks with Catalyst 2960-S and 2960-SF LAN Base switches running FlexStack modules, protecting your existing hardware investment as you migrate to the 2960-X platform.
Resilient Ring Topology
With two FlexStack-Plus stacking ports per module, the C2960X-STACK supports a full-ring stacking topology. A ring configuration provides redundancy — if one link fails, traffic reroutes through the remaining path, keeping the stack operational and minimizing disruption.
Deployment Scenarios
Enterprise Campus Access Layer
Deploy C2960X-STACK modules across Catalyst 2960-X switches in campus wiring closets to consolidate up to 8 switches into a single managed stack. This reduces the number of management points, simplifies firmware upgrades, and provides a resilient access layer with ring-topology redundancy.
Branch Office Network Consolidation
In branch offices with multiple 2960-X switches, the C2960X-STACK enables centralized management through a single IP address. IT teams at headquarters can manage the entire branch stack remotely, reducing on-site support requirements and accelerating troubleshooting.
Mixed 2960-S / 2960-X Migration
Organizations transitioning from Catalyst 2960-S to 2960-X can leverage FlexStack backward compatibility to build mixed stacks during the migration period. This allows a phased hardware refresh without disrupting existing network operations or requiring a forklift upgrade.
General
Interfaces
Performance
Physical
Compatibility
Compatibility Notes
Compatible Switch Platforms
The C2960X-STACK is compatible with any Cisco Catalyst 2960-X or 2960-XR Series Switch that has a FlexStack-Plus slot, including:
- WS-C2960X-24PD-L
- WS-C2960X-24PS-L
- WS-C2960X-24TD-L
- WS-C2960X-24TS-L
- WS-C2960X-24TS-LL
- WS-C2960X-48FPD-L
- WS-C2960X-48FPS-L
- WS-C2960X-48LPD-L
- WS-C2960X-48LPS-L
- WS-C2960X-48TD-L
- WS-C2960X-48TS-L
- WS-C2960XR-24PS-I
- WS-C2960XR-24TS-I
Required Stacking Cables (Sold Separately)
- CAB-STK-E-0.5M — FlexStack-Plus stacking cable, 0.5 m
- CAB-STK-E-1M — FlexStack-Plus stacking cable, 1.0 m
- CAB-STK-E-3M — FlexStack-Plus stacking cable, 3.0 m
Important Stacking Notes
- 2960-XR does not stack with 2960-X or 2960-S — the 2960-XR runs the IP-Lite feature set, which is not compatible with the LAN Base feature set on the 2960-X and 2960-S.
- Mixed 2960-S + 2960-X stacks are supported (LAN Base only) but are limited to a maximum of 4 members and 40 Gbps stack bandwidth.
- All 2960 models with the LAN Base Cisco IOS Software feature set can stack together.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| C2960S-STACK | Catalyst 2960-S FlexStack Module | Designed for 2960-S series; 40 Gbps bandwidth; max 4-switch stacks — predecessor to the C2960X-STACK |
| C2960X-FIBER-STK | Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack-Extended Fiber Module | Fiber SFP+ stacking for long-distance inter-floor/inter-building stacks; 40 Gbps bandwidth |
| C2960X-HYBRID-STK | Catalyst 2960-X FlexStack-Extended Hybrid Module | Combines one copper FlexStack-Plus port and one SFP+ fiber port for mixed short/long-distance stacking |
