Switch meshing questions

[n3tm1n]

Hello,

1) I remember after reading that if you have meshing enabled, then all switches need to be running the same firmware. Is this true? I would like to know if meshing will work connecting 3800s with 3500 since they both have different firmware revisions. I.E. KA 15.x for 38xx and K15.x for 35xx.

2) I recently purchased (2) 3800 switches with stacking module/cables. Can I stack the switches as well as place them in a mesh domain? Is there anything I need to be aware of/problems?

3)  I read that you must have routing disabled if you are planning on using a mesh domain. Why is this? Why not the two be mutually exclusive?

Thanks,

Bob

[n3tm1n]

4) Also, the last updated firmware for the 3800 is posted from Oct, 2011.  Is HP release an update soon for this switch?

[n3tm1n]

Anyone???

[Richard Litchfield]

Why do you want to mesh a 3500 and 3800? It may be better to do an MLAG to the 3800 stack  from the 3500. ie LACP link from 3500 to each 3800 in the stack.

The 3500 K firmware and the 3800 KA firmware are almost the same, but not quite.

[n3tm1n]

Reason for it would be I can't buy 10 new 3800 switches then set meshing. I'd like to be able to add a couple of 3800s first and the Mesh them with the 3800.

Can this be done? Or must the switches be the same model?

[MarkGringle]

Hi,

Only the 3800's support meshing in the sense that you can create a true switch mesh.  Also, stacking/meshing is only supported within the same family of Procurve switches - 3800's can only stack with 3800's, etc.

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@ProTeck wrote:

Reason for it would be I can't buy 10 new 3800 switches then set meshing. I'd like to be able to add a couple of 3800s first and the Mesh them with the 3800.

Can this be done? Or must the switches be the same model?

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