Stackable Models; Ironstack Terminology - Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs Configuration Manual

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IronStack overview
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Stackable models

PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices
All PowerConnect B-Series FCXdevices can be active members of a IronStack. PowerConnect
B-Series FCX-E and PowerConnect B-Series FCX-I models require an optional 10 Gbps SFP+ module
to support stacking. For information about how to install PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices, see
the PowerConnect B-FCX Switch Hardware Installation Guide.
All PowerConnect B-Series FCX devices can be ordered from the factory as -ADV models with
support for Layer 3 BGP.

IronStack terminology

Stack unit roles:
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Active Controller, Standby Controller, and member units in a stack
Active Controller management of entire stack
Active Controller download of software images to all stack units
Standby Controller for stack redundancy
Active Controller maintenance of information database for all stack units
Packet switching in hardware between ports on stack units
All protocols operate on an IronStack in the same way as on a chassis system.
Active Controller - Handles stack management and configures all system- and interface-level
features.
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Future Active Controller - The unit that will take over as Active Controller after the next
reload, if its priority has been changed to the highest priority. When a priority for a stack
unit is changed to be higher than the existing Active Controller, the takeover does not
happen immediately to prevent disruptions in the stack operation.
Standby Controller - The stack member with the highest priority after the Active Controller. The
Standby Controller takes over if the current Active Controller fails.
Stack Member - A unit functioning in the stack in a capacity other than Active or Standby
Controller.
Stack Unit - Any device functioning within the stack, including the Active Controller and Standby
Controller.
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Upstream Stack Unit - An upstream unit is connected to the first stacking port on the
Active Controller. (The left-hand port as you face the stacking ports.)
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Downstream Stack Unit - A downstream unit is connected to the second stacking port on
the Active Controller. (The right-hand port as you face the stacking ports.) General
terminology
Bootup Role - the role a unit takes during the boot sequence. This role can be standalone,
Active Controller, Standby Controller, or stack member. The Active Controller or a standalone
unit can access the full range of the CLI. Until a stack is formed, the local consoles on the
Standby Controller and stack members provide access to a limited form of the CLI, such as the
PowerConnect B-Series FCX Configuration Guide
53-1002266-01