Dell PowerConnect 7048P User Manual - Page 135

8 Managing a Switch Stack This chapter describes how to configure and manage a stack of switches. The topics covered in this chapter include: • Stacking Overview • Default Stacking Values • Managing and Monitoring the Stack (Web) • Managing the Stack (CLI) • Stacking and NSF Usage Scenarios Stacking Overview PowerConnect 7000 Series switches include a stacking feature that allows up to 12 switches to operate as a single unit. A single switch in the stack manages all the units in the stack, and you manage the stack by using a single IP address. The IP address of the stack does not change, even if the stack master changes. NOTE: Each PowerConnect 7000 Series switch in the stack must have the optional Stacking module installed in one of the two expansion slots on the back panel. Figure 3-13 in Expansion Slots for Plug-in Modules shows the stacking module. A stack is created by daisy-chaining stacking links on adjacent units. A stack of units is manageable as a single entity when the units are connected together. If a unit cannot detect a stacking partner on a port enabled for stacking, the unit automatically operates as a standalone unit. If a stacking partner is detected, the switch always operates in stacking mode. One unit in the stack is designated as the Master unit. The Master manages all the units in the stack. A second switch is designated as the Standby unit, which becomes the Master if the Master unit is unavailable. You can manually configure which unit is selected as the standby, or the system can select the standby automatically. Managing a Switch Stack 135