Allied Telesis AT-S97 - Manual (Page 146)

Chapter 8: Configuration File Commands
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Overview
The parameter settings of the management module and the media
converter modules are stored in a series of files called configuration files.
These files enable the modules to retain their settings even when they are
moved to a different slot or chassis or when a chassis is reset or power
cycled. This saves you from having to constantly reconfigure the units.
Management
Module and the
Master
Configuration
File
In the file system of the management module is the master configuration
file. Stored in this file are the parameter settings for the management
module itself and the settings of all the media converter modules in a
chassis.
The management module does not come with a predefined-master
configuration file. Creating it is a required step in the initial configuration of
a chassis. For instructions, refer to “Creating a Master Configuration File”
on page 32 or “Creating a New Master Configuration File” on page 148.
Media
Converter
Modules and
Auxiliary
Configuration
Files
The parameter settings of the media converter modules are stored in two
locations. One of the locations is on the management module in the
master configuration file.
The other location is on the media converter modules themselves in what
are referred to as the auxiliary configuration files. These files are stored in
flash memory and, thus, they retain their contents even when the modules
are powered off or even when they are removed from a chassis. Because
of these files, modules can be moved from chassis to chassis and still
retain their configuration settings.
When a media converter module is powered on or reset, it looks to either
its auxiliary configuration file or to the management module and the
master configuration file for the parameter settings it should use. The
choice is based on its configuration overwrite setting. If this setting is
disabled, the module uses its auxiliary configuration file. And if it is
enabled, the module uses the master configuration file.
The value of the overwrite setting is that it can save you time if you have to
replace a module. If a new module’s overwrite setting is enabled, it is
automatically configure with the same settings as the module it replaced.
Here is the process that a media converter module goes through to set its
configuration settings when powered on:
1. It initializes its management software. That takes about one minute.
2. It examines its overwrite setting.