Dell PowerConnect 5548 User Guide - Page 44

Stack Overview The PowerConnect 5500 Stacking feature provides multiple switch management through a single switch, so that all units in the stack are treated as if they were a single switch. All stack members are accessed through the management IP address, through which the stack is managed. Each switch is a member in a stack, although the stack may consist of only a single switch. Up to eight units can be stacked. This section covers the following topics: • Stack Operation Modes • Stacking Units • Stack Topology Stack Operation Modes All stacks must have a Master unit, and may have a Master Backup unit. All other units are connected to the stack as members (slaves). A unit in the stack can be in one of the following modes: • Stack Master - Runs the fully operational software of a switch. In addition, it runs configures and manages all other units in the stack. All protocols run in the context of the Master unit. It is responsible for updating and synchronizing the Master Backup. The Stack Master detects and reconfigures the ports with minimal operational impact in the event of: Unit failure Inter-unit stacking link failure Unit insertion Unit removal When the Master unit boots, or when inserting or removing a stack member, the Master unit initiates a stacking discovering process. 44 Dell PowerConnect 55xx Systems User Guide