SonicOS 7.1 Switch Network

Managing from a Firewall > Daisy-Chaining Switches
Table of Contents

Daisy-Chaining Switches

Switches can be setup with firewalls in standalone or daisy-chained configurations.

  • Standalone mode — Up to eight Switches can interface to a single firewall over separate ports.

  • Daisy Chain mode — Up to eight Switches can be supported in multiple configurations with one level of chaining. For example:

    • 4 Switches in standalone mode with one Switch connected to each in daisy chain mode.
    • 6 Switches in standalone mode with two more Switches connected separately to any two of them in daisy chain mode.
    • 7 Switches in standalone mode and one Switch connected to any one of them in daisy chain mode.

Switches may be added into daisy-chained configurations manually or by using Zero-Touch.

Adding un-configured connections between the firewall and parent Switch will bring down the link between the parent Switch and a child Switch. To avoid this, configure additional links between the firewall and parent Switch before making the physical connection.

After connecting the child Switch to the parent Switch, the Switch will be visible in the Device | Switch Network > Overview page. Simply click the Authorize option and the Switch will be added in daisy chain manner.

To add a Switch in daisy chain mode

  1. Select a Switch in standalone configuration to daisy-chain the additional Switch to it. Then determine which ports to use to connect the additional Switch.

  2. Go to Device | Switch Network > Overview and click on Add Switch.

  3. When the Add Switch dialog box appears, make the entries outlined below.

    • IP Address — This is an address within the leasehold of the DHCP server for Parent Switch. To identify this address range, go to Network > DHCP Server.
    • Switch Mode — Select Daisy-chain.
    • Parent Switch ID — The Switch ID will be 1 if the child Switch is connected to the Switch which was added first to the firewall.
    • Parent Switch Uplink — Interface on parent Switch which is connected to the child Switch.
    • Switch Uplink — This is the port through which the daisy-chained Switch connects to the Parent Switch.

  4. When complete with the dialog box click on ADD.

    Define the first Switch connected to the firewall as Standalone. Setup the Switch connected to that Switch as Daisy-chain.

  5. Navigate to DEVICE | Switch Network > Switches and click on Physical View. The new Switch will appear graphically with the ports linking the Switch and the firewall indicated.