Meraki MS425 flexible stack over two devices in two seperate locations.

Hi All,

Trying to establish if anyone has used the flexible stacking feature to connect 2 MS425 or similar Meraki switches together to form a core switch stack, but have the hardware in separate buildings.

The logic behind it is cause we need a full Meraki solution, and the requirement is to have a Primary switch and a DR switch in two separate buildings, as well as ensuring we can use port-channels and not have to have two separate uplinks with STP blocked links. To make matters more complicated, we need to have layer 2 between these two switches, so having them as two standalones with a layer 3 link is unfortunately not an option.

Essentially I was thinking of using the 40Gb on the front and forming a flexible stack by connecting the switches via a MM/SM fiber run. Realistically, I can't see why it shouldn't work, it just means a lot of cores to run 80Gb of SM/MM fibre.

I'm more concerned if it's a suitable design and if there are any potential gotchas with doing this. I for one think that it's added an element of risk to the switch backplane but having it run over fibre, should this fibre be cut. What would occur in this case, a split-brain type scenario?

I'm really seeing the limitations Meraki has, especially in a campus core environment.

Be interested to hear peoples thoughts / suggestions.

Cheers.