VSF (Virtual Switching Framework) is a front-plane stacking technology used primarily in the access and aggregation layers (e.g., Aruba CX 6300 series).

• Stack Size: It supports stacking up to 10 member switches (specifically on the CX 6300).
• Bandwidth: The CX 6300 allows the use of SFP56 ports for VSF links. These ports support speeds up to 50G individually. With up to 4 ports configured for stacking, the maximum aggregate stacking bandwidth is 200 Gbps (unidirectional) or quoted as 400 Gbps bidirectional in some marketing, but the "200G" and "50G" figures specifically define the VSF limits in this context.

VSX (Virtual Switching Extension) is a high-availability clustering technology used in the core and data center (e.g., Aruba CX 6400, 8325, 9300).

• Cluster Size: VSX always pairs exactly two devices (peers) to form a cluster with synchronized control planes.
• Bandwidth: VSX uses standard Ethernet links for the Inter-Switch Link (ISL). On high-end platforms like the Aruba CX 9300, which features native 400G ports, an individual ISL link can operate at 400G.

HPE Aruba Networking, "Aruba CX 6300 Switch Series Data Sheet," Performance and Power, (Confirming VSF stacking up to 10 members and 50G/200G bandwidth limits).

Quote: "VSF allows for stacking of up to 10 switches... Four built-in uplinks support speeds of up to 10, 25, 50, and 100 GbE for a total of 200 to 400 Gbps of stacking throughput."

HPE Aruba Networking, "AOS-CX 10.07 Virtual Switching Framework (VSF) Guide," Chapter 1, Introduction.

Quote: "6300: VSF allows stacks to be formed... Up to 10 member switches will be allowed. Connections between the switches must use 10G, 25G, or 50G links."

HPE Aruba Networking, "AOS-CX 10.10 Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) Guide," VSX Overview.

Quote: "VSX binds two AOS-CX switches of the same model type to operate as one device for layer 2."

HPE Aruba Networking, "Aruba CX 9300 Switch Series Data Sheet."

Context: Verifies support for 400G interfaces on VSX-capable Data Center switches, enabling 400G ISL links.