Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series, Software Configuration Manual

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1-6
Catalyst 3750-X and 3560-X Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-25303-03
Chapter 1 Managing Switch Stacks
Understanding Switch Stacks
Stack Master Election and Re-Election
The stack master is elected or re-elected based on one of these factors and in the order listed:
1.
The switch that is currently the stack master.
2. The switch with the highest stack member priority value.
Note
We recommend assigning the highest priority value to the switch that you prefer to be the
stack master. This ensures that the switch is re-elected as stack master if a re-election occurs.
3. The switch that is not using the default interface-level configuration.
4.
The switch with the higher priority feature set and software image combination. These combinations
are listed from highest to lowest priority.
Note
The noncryptographic images apply only to mixed stacks that include Catalyst 3750-E or 3750
switches running Cisco IOS Release 12.2(53)SE or earlier. Catalyst 3750-X switches and
Catalyst 3750-E or 3750 switches running later releases support only the cryptographic image.
–
IP services feature set and the cryptographic software image
–
IP services feature set and the noncryptographic software image
–
IP base feature set and the cryptographic software image
–
IP base feature set and the noncryptographic software image
Note
In a switch stacks running the LAN base feature set, all switches in the stack must run the LAN
base feature set.
During the stack master switch election, differences in start-up times between the feature sets
determine the stack master. The switch with the shorter start-up time becomes the stack master.
For example, a switch running the IP services feature set has a higher priority than the switch
running the IP base feature set, but the switch running the IP base feature set becomes the stack
master because the other switch takes 10 seconds longer to start. To avoid this problem, upgrade the
switch running the IP base feature set to same feature set and software image as the other switch, or
manually start the master switch and wait at least 8 seconds before starting the new member switch
that running the IP base feature set.
5.
The switch with the lowest MAC address.
A stack master retains its role unless one of these events occurs:
•
The switch stack is reset.
*
•
The stack master is removed from the switch stack.
•
The stack master is reset or powered off.
•
The stack master fails.
•
The switch stack membership is increased by adding powered-on standalone switches or switch
stacks.
*
In the events marked by an asterisk (*), the current stack master might be re-elected based on the listed
factors.