Virtual Chassis Cabling Configuration Examples for EX4200 Switches

You can install EX4200 switches in a single rack or multiple racks, or in different wiring closets, and interconnect them to form a Virtual Chassis. There are two dedicated Virtual Chassis ports (VCPs) on the rear panel of the EX4200 switch that are used exclusively to interconnect EX4200 switches as a Virtual Chassis. The physical location of the switches in a Virtual Chassis is restricted only by the maximum length supported for cables to connect the VCPs. The maximum cable length for interconnecting the dedicated VCPs is 5 meters. If you want to interconnect EX4200 switches that are located beyond the reach of the dedicated VCP cables, you can install the XFP uplink module, the SFP uplink module, or the SFP+ uplink module and set the uplink module ports as VCP interfaces. See Setting an Uplink Module Port on an EX4200 Switch as a Virtual Chassis Port (CLI Procedure).

Note: The interfaces for the two dedicated VCPs are operational by default. However, if you are using the uplink module ports as VCPs, you must explicitly set the uplink module ports to function as VCPs.

The following illustrations describe various Virtual Chassis cabling configuration examples.

Note: For increased availability and redundancy, we recommend that you always configure your Virtual Chassis in a ring topology.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show five EX4200 switches stacked vertically in a rack and interconnected in a ring topology using four short Virtual Chassis cables and one long Virtual Chassis cable.

Figure 1: EX4200 Switches Mounted on a Single Rack and Connected in a Ring Topology Using Short and Long Cables: Option 1

Figure 2: EX4200 Switches Mounted on a Single Rack and Connected in a Ring Topology Using Short and Long Cables: Option 2

Figure 3 shows five EX4200 switches stacked vertically in a rack and interconnected in a ring topology using short-length and medium-length Virtual Chassis cables.

Figure 3: EX4200 Switches Mounted on a Single Rack and Connected in a Ring Topology Using Short and Medium Cables

Figure 4 and Figure 5 show five EX4200 switches mounted on the top rows of adjacent racks and interconnected in a ring topology using medium-length and long-length Virtual Chassis cables.

Figure 4: EX4200 Switches Mounted on Adjacent Racks and Connected in a Ring Topology Using Medium and Long Cables: Option 1

Figure 5: EX4200 Switches Mounted on Adjacent Racks and Connected in a Ring Topology Using Medium and Long Cables: Option 2