Roles In A Cluster - 3Com 5500-EI PWR Install Manual

Figure 1-1 A cluster implementation
HGMP V2 has the following advantages:
It eases the configuration and management of multiple switches: You just need to configure a
public IP address for the management device instead of for all the devices in the cluster; and then
you can configure and manage all the member devices through the management device without
the need to log onto them one by one.
It provides the topology discovery and display function, which assists in monitoring and maintaining
the network.
It allows you to configure and upgrade multiple switches at the same time.
It enables you to manage your remotely devices conveniently regardless of network topology and
physical distance.
It saves IP address resource.

Roles in a Cluster

The switches in a cluster play different roles according to their functions and status. You can specify the
role a switch plays. A switch in a cluster can also switch to other roles under specific conditions.
As mentioned above, the three cluster roles are management device, member device, and candidate
device.
Table 1-1 Description on cluster roles
Role
Management
device
Configuration
Configured with a
external IP
address
Function
Provides an interface for managing all the switches in a
cluster
Manages member
redirection, that is, it forwards the commands intended
for specific member devices.
Discovers neighbors, collects the information about
network topology, manages and maintains the cluster.
Management device also supports FTP server and
SNMP host proxy.
Processes the commands issued by users through the
public network
1-2
devices through command