Bay Networks BayStack 281 Series Manual page 115

Modifying the Master Switch Priority
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A master switch is assigned in a network that includes more than one
BayStack 281xx switch. Only one master switch is allowed per switch
community.
The master switch gathers virtual LAN information from other
BayStack 281xx switches in the community and communicates this
information to the network management station that manages them. The master
switch also receives configuration requests from the network management
station and distributes this configuration information to other BayStack 281xx
switches in the community.
The LattisSpan protocol automatically determines the master switch.
This determination is based on switch priority and MAC address. In a
community of switches where the switches have the same priority (such as a
community of BayStack 28115/ADV switches with the same switch priority or
a community of BayStack 28104/ADV switches with the same switch priority),
the master switch is selected according to the lowest MAC address of all
connected switches in the community. The switch with the lowest MAC
address is automatically assigned as the master switch in the community.
This master switch selection process is transparent and requires no user
preconfiguration.
However, if you want to change the assigned master switch within a
community, you can decrease the master switch priority value for a particular
BayStack 281xx switch so that it is less than other BayStack 281xx switches
within the same community. Because a lower value indicates a higher priority,
the modified BayStack 281xx switch will become the master switch.
Configuring Basic System Parameters
4-15