A network switch stack configuration includes a first network switch having a plurality of data ports, a first stacking port, and a first CPU interface. A second network switch has a plurality of data ports, a second stacking port, and a second CPU interface. A common CPU is connected to the first CPU interface and the second CPU interface, such that the first stacking port and the second stacking port are communicatively connected. Therefore incoming packets on any of the plurality of data ports on the first and second switches can be effectively switched to any of the plurality of data ports on either of the first and second network switches.