Dell PowerConnect 8132 Manual
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Dell PowerConnect 8132 Manual

Stacking guide
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See also: Configuration Manual
Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches:
8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F
Rev. 1.1
Victor Teeter
Network Solutions Engineer

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Summary of Contents for Dell PowerConnect 8132

  • Page 1 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Rev. 1.1 Victor Teeter Network Solutions Engineer...
  • Page 2 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Dell and its affiliates cannot be responsible for errors or omissions in typography or photography. Dell, the Dell logo, and PowerEdge are trademarks of Dell Inc. Intel and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Server are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Contents Important Firmware Update for PowerConnect 81xx Stacking ........4 Introduction ....................6 Stacking and management ..................7 Simplified firmware updates for stack members ............7 Stacking and redundancy ..................7 Nonstop forwarding on the stack ................7 Hot add/delete and firmware synchronization ..............

  • Page 4: Important Firmware Update For Powerconnect 81Xx Stacking

    B1 CPUs, then they are ready to be stacked using any supported firmware. Just remember that the B1 CPUs are only compatible with firmware 5.1.x.x or later. A1 CPUs are compatible with all versions of PowerConnect 81xx firmware, including 5.0.x.x. Note: Dell recommends that all PowerConnect switches are updated to the latest firmware.
  • Page 5 To avoid errors, upgrade all PowerConnect 8100 stacks and stand-alone switches to 5.1.x.x or later. Dell recommends running the latest firmware available for the switch. Find the latest firmware at http://support.dell.com.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Note: Dell PowerConnect 8132, 8132F, 8164, and 8164F series switches can be mixed in any combination within a stack. This document provides an easy to use step-by-step guide on how to configure stacking for the Dell PowerConnect 8132 (Figure 1), PowerConnect 8132F (Figure 2), PowerConnect 8164 (Figure 3) and the PowerConnect 8164F (Figure 4).

  • Page 7: Stacking And Management

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Stacking and management An important advantage of stacking is that it provides a consolidated interface for management of multiple switches that are linked together. One switch acts as the Master, and the entire stack is managed through the management interface (Web, CLI, or SNMP) of the stack Master.

  • Page 8: How A Master Is Selected

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F copies of the stack configuration for the user’s knowledge. The actual stack information used by the switch is not that which is stored in the startup configuration. A stack member configuration is always present on stacking capable switches, so there always is a line in the configuration that says stack and a second line that says member even if there are no devices stacked.
  • Page 9 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F A unit is selected as standby by the administrator, and a fail over action is manually initiated or occurs due to a Master unit failure. Note: The terms Master and Manager/Management Unit are often used interchangeably in regards to stacking.

  • Page 10: How To Select A Master During Initial Stack Setup

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Note that in this example Switch 1 is the Master (Mgmt Sw) and Switch 2 is the Standby (Oper Stby) ready to take over as Master in the event the Master fails.

  • Page 11: Stacking Scenarios

    Consult the table of contents above for a list of examples covered in this document. Each scenario in this document assumes that all Dell PowerConnect devices are using the same firmware revision. It is also recommended that all devices are using the latest firmware version.

  • Page 12: Creating A Stack

    The Dell PowerConnect 8100 series switches can be stacked up to six high, supporting up to 336x10G ports when two 40G ports on each unit are configured as stacking ports. The stack can contain any combination of Dell PowerConnect 8100 and Dell PowerConnect 8100F switches.
  • Page 13 Figure 9 shows an example of connecting four stack ports between each stacking peer. Note: In a stack of three or more switches, Dell strongly recommends connecting the stack in a ring topology so that each switch is connected to two other switches.
  • Page 14 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Figure 9. Stacking Dell PowerConnect 8100/8100F series switches using multiple stack links QSFP+ quad-breakout cables QSFP+ quad-breakout cables may also be used for stacking. This allows a 40G QSFP+ port to connect to four 10G SFP+ ports on the adjacent switch.
  • Page 15 Ethernet Detach The example above shows a Dell PowerConnect 8132F with a QSFP+ two-port expansion module installed. The two 40G QSFP+ ports are represented by interfaces F01/1/1 and F01/1/2. We will use these two interfaces for stacking in the example below.
  • Page 16 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Configured Running Stack Stack Link Link Interface Mode Mode Status Speed (Gb/s) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ Te1/0/1 Ethernet Ethernet Link Down Unknown Te1/0/2 Ethernet Ethernet Link Down Unknown Te1/0/3 Ethernet Ethernet...
  • Page 17 | include Stack. Figure 11 shows the Stack LED that is located on the back panel of every Dell PowerConnect 8100 series switch. Figure 11. Stacking LED for the Dell PowerConnect 8100/8100F series switch When the switch is the Master of a stack, the LED glows solid blue.
  • Page 18 Before stacking, the single member has the Stack number of 1 (one). The example above shows a Dell PowerConnect 8132F with a QSFP+ two-port expansion module installed in Slot 1. The two 40G QSFP+ ports are interfaces F01/1/1 and F01/1/2. We will use these two interfaces for stacking in the example below.
  • Page 19 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Selecting the Edit check box activates the drop-down menu in the Configured Stack-mode column. Use this menu to change port modes from Ethernet to Stack. Clicking Apply at the bottom of the screen with set the Configured Stack Mode to Stack, but the Running Stack Mode remains Ethernet until the switch is reloaded as instructed below.
  • Page 20 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Perform the same steps for the remaining switches. Don’t forget to configure stacking ports on the last and first switch to create a ring topology if desired. Once every switch has been configured, remove power from all switches.
  • Page 21 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F The following figure shows shows the Stack LED that is located on the back panel of every Dell PowerConnect 8100 series switch. Figure 12. Stacking LED for the Dell PowerConnect 8100/8100F series switch When the switch is the Master of a stack, the LED glows solid blue.
  • Page 22 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Caution: 5.0.x.x firmware will not load on a switch with the newer “B1” CPU. It is therefore recommended to upgrade all PowerConnect 8100 switches to the latest firmware. See “Important Firmware Update for PowerConnect 81xx Stacking” at the beginning of this document for more information.

  • Page 23: Command-Line Interface Method

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Adding new member units to a stack It is important that all stack member units run the same version of firmware. Make sure to either upgrade firmware on the new units to be added to match the firmware on the Master, or use the automatic firmware update method found in section Automatic firmware updates for new members joining the stack.
  • Page 24 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Notice the two 40G QSFP+ ports represented by interfaces F01/1/1 and F01/1/2. These two interfaces will be used for stacking in the example below, though any of the interfaces listed may be used.
  • Page 25 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F would result in two stacks. Adding a new switch to the either end of the daisy-chain allows all other members to stay in constant communication and in turn allow the stack to stay intact during the process.
  • Page 26 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Note: Once added to a stack, a switch’s out-of-band IP address and console port are no longer accessible. Use the IP address and console port of the Master unit for management access, since the stack now acts as a single large switch.

  • Page 27: Web Interface Method

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Web interface method The example below shows how to add a stack member to an existing stack using the Web user interface. Before cabling an additional member to a stack, perform the steps below to setup the switch to join the stack.
  • Page 28 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F After saving the configuration, remove power from the switch. Note: Hot insertion of units into the stack is not supported. Do not connect a new member to the stack while the new unit is powered up.
  • Page 29 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 2. Unplug the stacking cables from any existing member going to another existing member in the stack. Only unplug the cables from one end, leaving them plugged into the other member. Note: Only half of the stack cables in this member will be unplugged. The cables going in the other direction to a third existing member will not be removed.

  • Page 30: Updating Firmware On A Stack

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Updating firmware on a stack Note: Make sure to check the Release Notes and any special instructions that may have come with new firmware updates. It is important to follow instructions found in those documents if they deviate from this white paper.
  • Page 31 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Attempting to send the STK file to other units in the stack… File transfer operation completed successfully. Note: This procedure may take a few minutes longer than updating a single, non-stacked switch.

  • Page 32: Web Interface Method

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Notice the next-active column now shows the same version as the backup column. Next, type the command to complete the update. All switches in the stack reloads. reload console#reload Are you sure you want to reload the stack? (y/n) y Connection to host lost.
  • Page 33 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F To find the firmware versions the stack members are using, go to System > File Management > Active Images. Each member of the stack will be updated with the latest firmware simply by updating the Master switch.
  • Page 34 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Click Apply. A warning will appear. Click OK. Note: Be patient as this procedure may take several minutes longer than updating a single, non-stacked switch. The following screen appears for several minutes while the firmware is being downloaded to the Master...
  • Page 35 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Once the file has been distributed to the entire stack, the following dialog box appears. Click Close. Go back to the Active Images screen to confirm that the new firmware was downloaded to all members...
  • Page 36 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F The next step is to activate the image that contains the new firmware using the drop-down menus in the Next Active Image column. In this example the backup image is selected for each unit.
  • Page 37 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Click Apply to reload all switches in the stack. If the following screen appears, click OK. Click OK again if this screen appears. If either of the following screens appear, they are simply notifying the user that the network has been...

  • Page 38: Removing Member Units

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Click OK if prompted with the above screen. Rebooting the stack may take a few minutes longer than a single switch. After reload, the firmware upgrade is complete. To validate each switch, login again to the Web UI of the stack Master, and then go to System >...

  • Page 39: Command-Line Interface Method

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Command-line interface method Since any interface on these switches can be used for stacking, make sure to verify exactly which ports are being used for stacking so they are un-cabled and re-routed last. This information is found with the following command.
  • Page 40 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F LAGs, VLANs, STP, ACLs, security, and so on, that needs to be configured on the new ports to accept cables, establish links, and begin to forward traffic. Note: It is highly recommended not to continue until these things have been considered and proper preparations are made.
  • Page 41 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Figure 14. Removal of a stack unit QSFP+ MODULE QSFP+ MODULE SWITCH REMOVED FROM STACK Removal of a stack unit results in one or more freed cables. In this example, there is a freed quad- breakout cable (red) that was used to link the bottom unit to the one directly above it.
  • Page 42 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Removing units from the stack configuration Once a unit has been physically removed, it may be desired to remove it from the configuration as well, if there are no plans on restoring it later. For the above example Unit 5 wasremoved; however, command continues to show the removed switch in the configuration.
  • Page 43 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Type the command to change the number of the switch. switch renumber console(config)#switch 4 renumber 3 The switch will be reset to perform unit renumbering and the configuration of switch interfaces will be cleared.

  • Page 44: Web Interface Method

    Te2/0/21 is in logical unit number 2. A blinking LED light is generated on the back of each Dell PowerConnect 81xx to locate each physical unit. This blinking LED is useful when identifying physical units and ports for running diags, sniffing, mirroring ports, and other basic troubleshooting.
  • Page 45 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Consider all LAGs, VLANs, STP, ACLs, security, and so on, that needs to be configured on the new ports in order to accept cables, establish links, and begin to forward traffic. Note: It is highly recommended not to continue until these things have been considered and proper preparations are made.
  • Page 46 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Figure 16. Removal of a stack unit QSFP+ MODULE QSFP+ MODULE SWITCH REMOVED FROM STACK Removal of a stack unit results in one or more freed cables. In this example, there is a freed quad- breakout cable (red) that was used to link the bottom unit to the one directly above it.
  • Page 47 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Removing units from the stack configuration Once a unit has been physically removed, it may be desired to remove it from the configuration as well, if there are no plans on restoring it later. For the above example Unit 5 was removed; however, the Stack Summary screen continues to show the removed switch in the configuration.
  • Page 48 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Caution: Renumbering stack units may hinder management scripts and monitoring software that collect data based on particular port traffic. Use renumbering with caution when monitoring ports and be aware that scripts and monitoring parameters may need to be modified.
  • Page 49 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Click OK on the next screen. Allow a few minutes for the switch to renumber, then verify the new ID from the System > Stack Management > Stack Summary screen. The switch that was Unit #4 is now Unit #2 and Unit #4 is no longer present. To remove it from the list, select it on the System >...
  • Page 50 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Clicking Apply deletes the removed switch from the stack configuration on the running-configuration. Go back to the Stack Summary screen to verify the switch was removed. A backup of the configuration (copying the running-configuration to the startup-configuration) in System > File Management > Copy Files is required to make the change persist after a reload.

  • Page 51: Managing The Standby Unit

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Managing the standby unit If the Master unit fails or is taken offline, a Standby unit automatically takes place as Master. During this time there is no more than a 50 ms interruption in unicast connectivity.

  • Page 52: Web Interface Method

    Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Would you like to save them now? (y/n) y Configuration Saved! Management unit will be reloaded. Are you sure you want to failover to the backup unit? (y/n) y If using the CLI through the console port, the session will no longer be valid. The console port on the new Master switch will now be activated for management.
  • Page 53 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F Select the Switch ID to be assigned as the Standby. Use the Unit Type drop-down menu and select Configured Standby. Note: Assigning the current Stack Master to the Standby role is not allowed using this method and results in an error.
  • Page 54 Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F If there is a need to change the role of the Master or make the Standby the Master, use the initiate command from the Command Line Interface. This command results in a warm restart of the failover stack Master, triggering the Standby unit to take over as a new Master switch.

  • Page 55: Appendix A - Commands Used In This Document

    Version information for the network switches used in creating this document are as follows: Network switch Dell PowerConnect 8100 Software version 5.0.0.3, 5.0.0.4, 5.1.0.0 About Dell Dell is a leading technology provider to commercial and public enterprises around the world.

This manual is also suitable for:

Powerconnect 8164Powerconnect 8164fPowerconnect 8132f

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