Overview 13
During the stacking setup, one device is selected by the network administrator as the stack
master, while all other devices are selected as stack members and assigned a unique Unit ID.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 stacks provide across-the-stack Layer 2 functionality including:
• Switching
• Trunking
• Port Mirroring
•VLANs
For example, VLANs can be configured from ports belonging to different stack members, or
configure port mirroring from a second stack member to a third stack member. Applications
running in a stacking configuration are centralized. For example, the Spanning Tree
Protocol for the entire stack runs on the master unit. Device software is downloaded
separately for each stack member.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 stacking architecture provides dynamic learning for the stacking
topology, while detecting and reconfiguring the ports with minimal operational impact in
the event of:
• Unit Failure
• Inter-unit Link Loss
• Unit Insertion
• Removal of a Stacking Unit
Stack Members and Unit ID
The stacking operation mode is determined during the Boot process.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 units are shipped with a default Unit ID of one. The Unit ID is
essential to the stacking configuration. If a stack member reboots without a stacking
module, the device operates as a stand-alone until the device is reset. If a PowerConnect
3324/3348 unit is operating as a stand-alone unit, all stacking LEDs are off. The Unit ID is
not erased and remains valid if the unit is reconnected to a stack.
NOTE: The stacking module must be inserted into port G2 for the stack to operate. If the
stacking module is inserted in port G1, a warning message is displayed on the console.