9-6
Configuring Advanced Features
Stack Management
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If multiple VLANs are configured, stacking uses only the primary
VLAN on any switch. In the factory-default configuration, the
DEFAULT_VLAN is the primary VLAN. (See “Stacking Operation with
Multiple VLANs Configured” on page 9-44 and “Which VLAN Is
Primary?” on page 9-50.)
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Stacking allows intermediate devices that do not support stacking.
This enables you to include switches that are distant from the
Commander.
Figure 9-3. Example of a Non-Stacking Device Used in a Stacking Environment
Specific Rules
Table 9-2 outlines the specific rules for switches operating in a stack.
Table 9-2. Specific Rules for Commander, Candidate, and Member Switches
Commander Switch
Switch with Stacking
Disabled or Not Available
Member Switch
Candidate Switch
IP Addressing and
Stack Name
Number Allowed
Per Stack
Passwords
SNMP Communities
Commander
IP Addr:
Requires an
assigned IP address
and mask for access
via the network.
Stack Name:
Required
Only one
Commander
switch is allowed
per stack.
The Commander’s Manager
and Operator passwords are
assigned to any switch
becoming a Member of the
stack.
If you change the
Commander’s passwords, the
Commander propagates the
new passwords to all stack
Members.
Standard SNMP community
operation. The Commander
also operates as an SNMP
proxy to Members for all
SNMP communities config-
ured in the Commander.
Candidate
IP Addr:
Optional.
Configuring an IP
address allows access
via Telnet or web
browser interface
while the switch is not
a stack member. In the
factory default configu-
ration the switch auto-
matically acquires an
IP address if your
network includes DHCP
service.
Stack Name:
N/A
n/a
Passwords optional. If the
Candidate becomes a stack
Member, it assumes the
Commander’s Manager and
Operator passwords.
If a candidate has a password,
it cannot be automatically
added to a stack. In this case,
if you want the Candidate in a
stack, you must manually add
it to the stack.
Uses standard SNMP
community operation if the
Candidate has its own IP
addressing.
