2-5
Catalyst 2960-S Switch Hardware Installation Guide
OL-19732-04
Chapter 2 Switch Installation
Planning a Switch Stack

Verifying Switch Operation

Before you install the switch in a rack, on a wall, or on a table or shelf, power on the switch and verify
that it passes POST.
To power on the switch, plug one end of the AC power cord into the switch AC power connector, and
plug the other end into an AC power outlet.
As the switch powers on, it begins the POST, a series of tests that runs automatically to ensure that the
switch functions properly. LEDs can blink during the test. POST lasts approximately 1 minute. When
the switch begins POST, the System, RPS, Status, Duplex, and Speed LEDs turn green. The System LED
blinks green, and the other LEDs remain solid green.
When the switch completes POST successfully, the System LED remains green. The RPS LED remains
green for some time and then reflects the switch operating status. The other LEDs turn off and then
reflect the switch operating status. If a switch fails POST, the System LED turns amber.
POST failures are usually fatal. Call Cisco technical support representative if your switch fails POST.
After a successful POST, unplug the power cord from the switch. Install the switch in a rack, on a wall,
on a table, or on a shelf as described in the “Installing the Switch” section on page 2-10.
If your configuration has an RPS, connect the switch and the RPS to different AC power sources. See
the Cisco RPS documentation for information.
Note When you connect the RPS to the switch, put the RPS in standby mode. Set the RPS to active mode
during normal operation.
Warning
Attach only the following Cisco RPS model to the RPS receptacle: PWR-RPS2300 =
Statement 370
Planning a Switch Stack
Note This section applies only to the Catalyst 2960-S stacking-capable switches.

Stack Guidelines

• Connect only Catalyst 2960-S switches in a switch stack. You cannot stack the Catalyst 2960-S with
other switches such as the Catalyst 2975, 3550, 3560, or 3750 switches.
• Stack only up to four switches.
• Install the FlexStack module and the FlexStack cable. You can order them from your Cisco sales
representative: C2960S-STACK=.
Note The FlexStack module is hot-swappable and can be inserted while the switch is powered on.
• Order the appropriate cable from your Cisco sales representative. The length of FlexStack cable
depends on your configuration. These are the different sizes available: