Setting Up a Stacked Configuration Managing OmniSwitch 6600 Family Stacks
page 4-14 OmniSwitch 6600 Family Hardware Users Guide September 2006
Booting the Stack
In order for the switches in the stack to operate using their newly-assigned slot numbers, all switches in the
stack must be manually booted.
Important. Whenever booting a stacked configuration, note that the primary switch will automatically
distribute its system and configuration software to all switches in the stack whenever the virtual chassis
boots. During this automatic software synchronization, system and configuration software on the second-
ary and idle switches is overwritten. Because the primary switch’s “last known good” software is propa-
gated to all switches, the synchronization process helps ensure effective redundancy across the stack.
To manually boot the stack, follow the steps below.
1 Power on all switches by moving the on/off switch for each switch to the on ( | ) position.
Important. Be sure to power on all switches in the stack in rapid succession. If you do not power up all
switches within approximately three seconds, switches may take unintended stack management roles.
2 If back up power supplies are installed in one or more switches in the stack, power on all back up
power supplies at this time.
Verifying Slot Number Assignments
After the stack is completely booted, all switches in the stack operate using the user-assigned slot
numbers. To verify the slot numbers for each switch, refer to the slot indicator LED on the front panel of
each switch. For more information, refer to “Status LEDs” on page 2-18.
Verifying Primary and Secondary Status for the Stack
Primary, Secondary and Idle switch status is indicated by the PRI and SEC LEDs. The PRI and SEC LEDs
on the switch’s front panel are the most accurate and reliable method for determining the current role of a
switch within a stacked configuration.
PRI LED
Now that the stack has been configured and booted, the primary—or management—role should be
assigned to the switch with the lowest assigned slot number. In other words, if you assigned a switch in the
stack as slot 1, this switch should have the primary role.
To verify this, check the PRI LED on the front panel of the switch with the lowest assigned slot number.
The PRI LED should be illuminated solid green.
SEC LED
The secondary role is given to the switch with the next-lowest number.
To verify this, check the SEC LED on the front panel of the switch with the next-lowest assigned slot
number. The SEC LED should be illuminated solid green.