This answer is correct because it matches the scenario for which the Aruba backplane stacking technology is designed. Aruba backplane stacking technology allows up to 10 switches to be interconnected using high-speed backplane cables, creating a single logical device with a single IP address and configuration. This simplifies the management and operation of the network, as well as the redundancy design, as the stack can operate in ring or chain topology and provide fast failover in case of link or switch failure. This technology is suitable for customers who need to deploy a pair of aggregation switches in the same closet, as it reduces the number of devices and links to manage, and provides high availability and scalability for the network.
The other options are incorrect because:
B. The customer needs to simplify the deployment of core switches which are located in different closets for redundancy purposes. This scenario is not suitable for Aruba backplane stacking technology, as it requires the switches to be physically close to each other and connected with backplane cables. A better option for this scenario would be to use Aruba Virtual Switching Framework (VSF) technology, which allows up to twoswitches to be interconnected using standard Ethernet links, creating a virtual switch that can span across different closets or racks.
C. The customer needs to expand the network and make it possible for the current core switches to support more MAC forwarding and ARP entries. This scenario is not suitable for Aruba backplane stacking technology, as it does not increase the MAC or ARP table size of the switches. The MAC and ARP table size is determined by the hardware specifications of each switch model, and stacking them together does not change that. A better option for this scenario would be to upgrade the core switches to a higher-end model that supports more MAC and ARP entries, or to segment the network into smaller subnets to reduce the MAC and ARP traffic.
D. The customer needs to deploy a switch at a branch office and have the switch automatically discover and join the network stack at the main office. This scenario is not suitable for Aruba backplane stacking technology, as it requires the switches to be on the same LAN and connected with backplane cables. A better option for this scenario would be to use Aruba Central, which is a cloud-based management platform that allows remote provisioning and monitoring of Aruba switches and other devices. Aruba Central can automatically discover and join the switch to the network, and apply the configuration and policies from the main office.
References:
Aruba 2930M Switch Series - Data sheet)
ArubaOS-Switch Virtual Switching Framework - Configuration guide)
Aruba Central - Data sheet)
