Understanding Virtual Chassis Components - Dell PowerConnect J-EX4200-24T Software Manual

Dell PowerConnect J-Series Ethernet Switch Complete Software Guide for Junos OS

Understanding Virtual Chassis Components

Virtual Chassis Ports (VCPs)
Master Role
694
A Virtual Chassis configuration allows you to interconnect two to ten J-EX4200 Ethernet
Switches and run them as a single network entity. While it is true that you need at least
two interconnected switches to take advantage of Virtual Chassis features, it is also true
that any individual J-EX4200 switch has some Virtual Chassis components.
This topic covers:
Virtual Chassis Ports (VCPs) on page 694
Master Role on page 694
Backup Role on page 695
Linecard Role on page 695
Member Switch and Member ID on page 696
Mastership Priority on page 696
Virtual Chassis Identifier (VCID) on page 697
There are two dedicated Virtual Chassis ports (VCPs) on the rear panel of the J-EX4200
switch that are used exclusively to interconnect J-EX4200 switches in a Virtual Chassis
configuration. The interfaces for these dedicated ports are operational by default when
the ports are properly cabled. For an example of two J-EX4200 switches interconnected
with their dedicated VCPs, see "Example: Configuring a Virtual Chassis with a Master
and Backup in a Single Wiring Closet" on page 717. In addition, you can interconnect the
switch with another J-EX4200 switch across a wider distance by installing an optional
SFP or SFP+ uplink module in a J-EX4200 switch or by using the network interfaces in a
J-EX4200-24F switch. To do this using uplink module ports, you need to install one uplink
module in at least one J-EX4200 switch at each end of the link. You must set the uplink
module ports or the J-EX4200-24F network interfaces to function as VCPs in order for
the interconnected switches to be recognized as members of the same Virtual Chassis
configuration. This procedure includes setting the uplink module ports or J-EX4200-24F
network ports of a standalone J-EX4200 switch as VCPs prior to interconnecting the
new member switch with the existing Virtual Chassis configuration. For an example of
J-EX4200 switches interconnected with the uplink ports functioning as VCPs, see
"Example: Configuring a Virtual Chassis Interconnected Across Multiple Wiring Closets"
on page 733.
You can display the status of both the dedicated VCP interfaces and the uplink ports
configured as VCP interfaces with the show virtual-chassis vc-port command.
The member that functions in the master role:
Manages the member switches.
Runs the Junos OS for J-EX Series Switches in a master role.