Brocade FastIron Ethernet Switch Stacking Configuration Guide - Manual (Page 27)

procedure, refer to Scenario 1 - Three-member traditional stack in a ring topology using secure-
setup on page 25.
2. Automatic stack configuration. With this method, you enter all configuration information, including
the module type and the priorities of all members into the unit you decide will be the active
controller and set its priority to be the highest. When you enable stacking on the active controller
the stack then forms automatically. This method requires that you start with clean units (except for
the active controller) that do not contain startup or runtime configurations. Refer to
Scenario 2 -
Three-member traditional stack in a ring topology using the automatic setup process on page 29.
3. Manual stack configuration. With this method, you configure every unit individually, and enable
stacking on each unit. Once the units are connected together, they will automatically operate as a
traditional stack. With this method the unit with the highest priority becomes the active controller,
and ID assignment is determined by the sequence in which you physically connect the units. Refer
to
Scenario 3 - Three-member traditional stack in a ring topology using the manual configuration
process on page 31.
Traditional stacking configuration notes
Before you configure your traditional stack, consider the following guidelines:
• Consider the number of units and how the stacking ports on the units will be connected. For more
information, refer to the hardware installation guide for your device.
• The stack should be physically cabled in a linear or ring topology. Connect only those units that will
be active in the stack.
• Make sure all units intended for the stack are running the same software version. Use the show
version command on any of the console ports in the stack.
NOTE
If you are running a router image and there is a potential loop in your topology, you need to configure
the spanning tree protocol in the would-be active controller. Otherwise, the excessive looping packets
might affect stack formation. The Spanning Tree Protocol is enabled by default in switch images.
• When you have a full stack of 8 units, you may need to increase the trap hold time from the default,
which is 60 seconds, to five minutes (300 seconds). This will prevent the loss of initial boot traps.
To increase the trap hold time, use the following command.
device(config)#snmp-server enable traps holddown-time 300
Syntax: [no] snmp-server enable traps holddown-time seconds
NOTE
The router image requires more time to boot than the switch image.
Scenario 1 - Three-member traditional stack in a ring topology using
secure-setup
This scenario describes how to build a traditional stack using the secure-setup utility. Secure-setup lets
you easily configure your entire stack through the active controller, which propagates the configuration
to all stack members. Secure-setup is the most secure way to build a traditional stack, and gives you
the most control over how your stack is built. For example, secure-setup offers three security features
that prevent unauthorized devices from accessing or joining a traditional stack:
Traditional stacking configuration notes
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