Clustering Overview - 3Com 5500-SI Configuration Manual

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Clustering Overview

C
LUSTERING
Clustering enables the network to manage multiple switches through the public IP
address of a switch named the management device. Managed switches in a cluster
are member devices, and often may not have an assigned public IP address.
Management and maintenance on member devices are made through management
device redirection. The management and member devices form a cluster, whose
typical application is shown in Figure 174.
Figure 174 Clustering
Network Network
Management Device Management Device
Member Device Member Device
Cluster Cluster
Member Device Member Device
Member Device Member Device
Clustering offers the following advantages:
Simple configuration and management on multiple switches through one public IP
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address on the administer device. Login to the configuration port of each member
device is not necessary.
Topology discovery and display functions that help network monitoring and
■
debugging.
Concurrent software upgrade and parameter configurations on multiple switches.
■
Being free from topology and distance limitations.
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Saving IP address resource.
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Clustering provides the following functions:
Topology discovery: Clustering implements NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol) to
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discover information about directly connected neighbor devices, including device
type, software/hardware version, connecting port and so on. The device ID, port
duplex mode, product version and Bootrom version can also be given.
Network Management Device Network Management Device
69.110.1.1 69.110.1.1
69.110.1.100 69.110.1.100
Candidate Device Candidate Device