Configuration manual

17
Stacking
An Aggregator auto-configures to operate in standalone mode. To use an Aggregator in a stack, you
must manually configure it using the CLI to operate in stacking mode.
Stacking is supported only on the 40GbE ports on the base module. Stacking is limited to six Aggregators
in the same or different m1000e chassis. To configure a stack, you must use the CLI.
Stacking provides a single point of management for high availability and higher throughput.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Stacking Aggregators
• Stacking Port Numbers
• Configuring a Switch Stack
• Verifying a Stack Configuration
• Troubleshooting a Switch Stack
• Upgrading a Switch Stack
• Upgrading a Single Stack Unit
Stacking Aggregators
A stack of Aggregators operates as a virtual chassis with management units (primary and standby) and
member units. The Dell Networking operating software elects a primary (master) and secondary (standby)
management unit. The forwarding database resides on the master switch; the standby unit maintains a
synchronized local copy. Each unit in the stack makes forwarding decisions based on their local copy.
The following example shows how you can stack two Aggregators. The Aggregators are connected to
operate as a single stack in a ring topology using only the 40GbE ports on the base modules.
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Stacking