3Com 5500 SI - Switch - Stackable, Configuration Manual

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LUSTERING
Clustering Overview
Clustering enables the network to manage multiple switches through the public IP
address of a switch named the management device. Managed switches in a cluster
are member devices, and often may not have an assigned public IP address.
Management and maintenance on member devices are made through management
device redirection. The management and member devices form a cluster, whose
typical application is shown in Figure 174.
Figure 174 Clustering
Clustering offers the following advantages:
■
Simple configuration and management on multiple switches through one public IP
address on the administer device. Login to the configuration port of each member
device is not necessary.
■
Topology discovery and display functions that help network monitoring and
debugging.
■
Concurrent software upgrade and parameter configurations on multiple switches.
■
Being free from topology and distance limitations.
■
Saving IP address resource.
Clustering provides the following functions:
■
Topology discovery: Clustering implements NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol) to
discover information about directly connected neighbor devices, including device
type, software/hardware version, connecting port and so on. The device ID, port
duplex mode, product version and Bootrom version can also be given.
Management Device
Member Device
Member Device
Candidate Device
69.110.1.1
Network Management Device
Cluster
69.110.1.100
Network
Member Device
Management Device
Member Device
Member Device
Candidate Device
69.110.1.1
Network Management Device
Cluster
69.110.1.100
Network
Member Device