Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs Configuration Guide - Page 138

5 IronStack overview • Active Controller, Standby Controller, and member units in a stack • Active Controller management of entire stack • Active Controller download of software images to all stack units • Standby Controller for stack redundancy • Active Controller maintenance of information database for all stack units • Packet switching in hardware between ports on stack units • All protocols operate on an IronStack in the same way as on a chassis system. Stackable models PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices All PowerConnect B-Series FCXdevices can be active members of a IronStack. PowerConnect B-Series FCX-E and PowerConnect B-Series FCX-I models require an optional 10 Gbps SFP+ module to support stacking. For information about how to install PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices, see the PowerConnect B-FCX Switch Hardware Installation Guide. All PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices can be ordered from the factory as -ADV models with support for Layer 3 BGP. IronStack terminology Stack unit roles: • Active Controller - Handles stack management and configures all system- and interface-level features. • Future Active Controller - The unit that will take over as Active Controller after the next reload, if its priority has been changed to the highest priority. When a priority for a stack unit is changed to be higher than the existing Active Controller, the takeover does not happen immediately to prevent disruptions in the stack operation. • Standby Controller - The stack member with the highest priority after the Active Controller. The Standby Controller takes over if the current Active Controller fails. • Stack Member - A unit functioning in the stack in a capacity other than Active or Standby Controller. • Stack Unit - Any device functioning within the stack, including the Active Controller and Standby Controller. • Upstream Stack Unit - An upstream unit is connected to the first stacking port on the Active Controller. (The left-hand port as you face the stacking ports.) • Downstream Stack Unit - A downstream unit is connected to the second stacking port on the Active Controller. (The right-hand port as you face the stacking ports.) General terminology • Bootup Role - the role a unit takes during the boot sequence. This role can be standalone, Active Controller, Standby Controller, or stack member. The Active Controller or a standalone unit can access the full range of the CLI. Until a stack is formed, the local consoles on the Standby Controller and stack members provide access to a limited form of the CLI, such as the 96 PowerConnect B-Series FCX Configuration Guide 53-1002266-01