OmniSwitch AOS Release 7 Network Configuration Guide
June 2013
page 9-1
9 Configuring Virtual Chassis
A Virtual Chassis is a group of switches managed through a single management IP address that operates as
a single bridge and router. It provides both node level and link level redundancy for layer 2 and layer 3
services and protocols acting as a single device. The use of a virtual chassis provides node level redun-
dancy without the need to use redundancy protocols such as STP and VRRP between the edge and the
aggregation/core layer.
The following are some key points regarding a virtual chassis configuration:
•
With the introduction of the Virtual Chassis feature a switch can now operate in two modes; Virtual
Chassis or Standalone.
•
When a switch operates in Virtual Chassis this will cause a change to the CLI requiring a chassis iden-
tifier to be used and displayed for some commands such as interfaces or ports.
•
A Virtual Chassis provides a single management IP address for a group of switches that are acting as a
single bridge or router.
•
The switches participating in a Virtual Chassis are created by inter-connecting them via standard single
or aggregated 10Gbps or 40Gbps interfaces.
•
All devices participating in the Virtual Chassis must have a valid license to join the VC.
For more information on the components of a Virtual Chassis, see