HPE Aruba J9736A 3m Stacking Cable, 2920/2930M Compatible, Hot-Swappable
The J9736A is a 3.0 m HPE Aruba backplane stacking cable for Aruba 2920 and 2930M switches, connecting J9733A and JL325A 2-port stacking modules, with hot-swap support on the 2930M.
Overview
HPE Aruba sells its 2920 and 2930M backplane stacking cables in three lengths: J9734A at 0.5 m, J9735A at 1.0 m and the J9736A at 3.0 m. It is an interconnect between stacking modules, not a transceiver, and connects the JL325A module on the 2930M and the J9733A module on the 2920. With power on and only one end inserted, the link and module status LEDs on the stacking module and the Back LED on the front of the switch flash orange, turning solid green once the cable is fully seated at both ends and a link is established.
Technical Details
The HPE Aruba J9736A is a 3.0 m backplane stacking cable for the Aruba 2920 and Aruba 2930M switch series. It links the 2-port stacking modules each stacked switch must carry: JL325A on the 2930M and J9733A on the 2920. On the 2930M, any combination of up to ten switches stacks in a closed ring, the stacking cables are hot-swappable while the module is not, and 20 to 23 cm of clearance is needed behind the switch, depending on the stacking cable lengths used. On the 2920, up to four switches stack in a ring or chain topology.
Best For
The J9736A suits an Aruba 2930M or 2920 stack that needs a 3.0 m stacking cable, where the 0.5 m J9734A or 1.0 m J9735A is too short. Each switch in the stack needs its own 2-port stacking module first: JL325A on the 2930M, J9733A on the 2920.
Not suitable if:
- the switches have no stacking module installed, since the cable connects modules rather than switch ports
- you are stacking a different Aruba family, since this cable is published for the 2920 and 2930M series only
- you want a mesh stacking topology, since mesh topologies are not supported on the 2930M
J9736A Specifications
| Class & Licensing | |
|---|---|
| Accessory Class | Stacking Cable |
| Compatible Models | Aruba 2920 Switch Series (with the J9733A 2-port stacking module) and Aruba 2930M Switch Series (with the JL325A 2-port stacking module) |
| Ports & Uplinks | |
| Supported Stack Size | Any combination of up to ten switches (2930M); up to four switch units in a single virtual device (2920) |
| Supported Topology | 2930M: closed ring, up to 10 switches; chain only as an intermediate topology during a member or cable failure; mesh not supported. 2920: ring and chain stacking topology |
| Performance & Scale | |
| Required Stacking Module | Aruba 2930M 2-port stacking module (JL325A) installed in each stacked switch; Aruba 2920 2-port Stacking Module (J9733A), minimum 1 and maximum 2 stacking cables per module |
| Other | |
| Accessory Type | Backplane stacking cable |
| Cable Length | 3.0 m |
| Also Listed As | Aruba 2920/2930M 3m Stacking Cable; Aruba 2920/2930M 3.0m Stacking Cable |
| Hot-swappable | Yes; the stacking module itself is not hot-swappable |
| Installation | Slide the stacking cable connector in until it clicks into place; confirm the latch by pulling on the connector itself (not the tab). To remove, pull the tab on the connector straight out |
| Link Indication | With power on and only one end inserted, the link and module status LEDs on the stacking module and the Back LED on the front of the switch flash orange; they turn solid green when the cable is fully seated at both ends and a link is established |
| Rear Clearance | 20 to 23 cm (approx. 8 to 9 in) behind the switch when stacking, depending on the lengths of the stacking cables used |
FAQ
Which switches is the J9736A compatible with?
The Aruba 2930M Switch Series with the JL325A 2-port stacking module, and the Aruba 2920 Switch Series with the J9733A 2-port stacking module. Each switch in the stack needs its own module. This cable is listed only for those two series, so confirm the exact model with Network Devices Inc. before ordering if your switch is not one of those two series.
What are the specifications of the J9736A?
Length 3.0 m, backplane stacking cable for the 2920 and 2930M series, hot-swappable at the cable end. Up to ten 2930M switches stack in a closed ring; a chain is supported only as an intermediate state during a member or cable failure, and mesh is not supported. Weight, connector dimensions and operating temperature are not published for this part.
Do I need anything besides the cable to stack the switches?
Yes. The cable connects stacking modules, so each switch needs a 2-port stacking module of its own first: JL325A on the 2930M, J9733A on the 2920. On the 2930M, the module is not hot-swappable while the cable is, and 20 to 23 cm of clearance is needed behind the switch, depending on the stacking cable lengths used.
Does the J9736A change switch performance?
No. It is a passive interconnect between stacking modules; throughput, stacking bandwidth and port capacity are set by the switches and their modules and are listed on the switch page. Choosing a longer cable does not change them. What the cable does affect is reach, so pick the length that suits the spacing of the stacked switches.
What condition is the J9736A sold in, and what warranty applies?
The J9736A is sold new and factory-sealed. It is covered by a Network Devices Inc. one-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
