5-3
Catalyst 2928 Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-23389-01
Chapter 5 Clustering Switches
Understanding Switch Clusters
Standby Cluster Command Switch Characteristics
A standby cluster command switch must meet these requirements:
•
It is running Cisco IOS 12.2(44)SE or later.
•
It has an IP address.
•
It has CDP version 2 enabled.
•
It is connected to the command switch and to other standby command switches through its
management VLAN.
•
It is connected to all other cluster member switches (except the cluster command and standby
command switches) through a common VLAN.
•
It is redundantly connected to the cluster so that connectivity to cluster member switches is
maintained.
•
It is not a command or member switch of another cluster.
Note
Standby cluster command switches must be the same type of switches as the cluster command
switch. For example, if the cluster command switch is a Catalyst switch, the standby cluster
command switches must also be Catalyst switches. Refer to the switch configuration guide of
other cluster-capable switches for their requirements on standby cluster command switches.
Candidate Switch and Cluster Member Switch Characteristics
Candidate switches
are cluster-capable switches that have not yet been added to a cluster. Cluster
member switches are switches that have actually been added to a switch cluster. Although not required,
a candidate or cluster member switch can have its own IP address and password (for related
considerations, see the
“IP Addresses” section on page 5-12
and
“Passwords” section on page 5-12
To join a cluster, a candidate switch must meet these requirements:
•
It is running cluster-capable software.
•
It has CDP version 2 enabled.
•
It is not a command or cluster member switch of another cluster.
•
If a cluster standby group exists, it is connected to every standby cluster command switch through
at least one common VLAN. The VLAN to each standby cluster command switch can be different.
•
It is connected to the cluster command switch through at least one common VLAN.
Note
Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, and Catalyst 3500 XL
candidate and cluster member switches must be connected through their management VLAN
to the cluster command switch and standby cluster command switches. For complete
information about these switches in a switch-cluster environment, refer to the software
configuration guide for that specific switch.
This requirement does not apply if you have a Catalyst 2970, Catalyst 3550, Catalyst 3560,
or Catalyst 3750 cluster command switch. Candidate and cluster member switches can
connect through any VLAN in common with the cluster command switch.