Ironstack Management Mac Address - Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs Configuration Manual

5
Managing your IronStack
PowerConnect# rconsole 2
Connecting to unit 2... (Press Ctrl-O X to exit)
rconsole-2@PowerConnect#show stack
ID
2 S FCX624P standby
rconsole-2@PowerConnect# exit
rconsole-2@PowerConnect> exit
Disconnected.
Establish a remote console session with stack unit 3.
PowerConnect# rconsole 3
Connecting to unit 3... (Press Ctrl-O X to exit)
rconsole-3@PowerConnect# show stack
ID
3 S FCX624P member
rconsole-3@PowerConnect# logout
Disconnected.
PowerConnect#

IronStack management MAC address

The IronStack is identified in the network by a single MAC address, usually the MAC address of the
Active Controller (the default). If a new Active Controller is elected, the MAC address of the new
Active Controller (by default) becomes the MAC address for the entire stack. However, you can
manually configure your stack to use a specified MAC address. Refer to
IronStack MAC address"
In an IronStack, the management MAC address is generated by the software, and is always the
MAC address of the first port of the Active Controller. This ensures that the management MAC
address remains consistent across stack reboots, and helps prevent frequent topology changes as
a result of protocol enable, disable, and configuration changes.
When you are configuring Layer 2 protocols on stack units, such as STP, RSTP, and MSTP, the
management MAC address of the Active Controller acts as the Bridge ID.
You can also configure the IronStack to retain its original MAC address, or wait for a specified
amount of time before assuming the address of a new Active Controller, using the Persistent MAC
Address feature (refer to
NOTE
All physical IP interfaces on IronStack devices share the same MAC address. It is not recommended
to connect two or more physical IP interfaces between two routers.
Manual allocation of the IronStack MAC address
You can manually configure your IronStack to use a specific MAC address. This overrides the
default condition where the stack uses the MAC address of whatever unit is currently serving as
Active Controller.
NOTE
This command is useful for administration purposes, however it should be used with caution to
prevent duplication of MAC addresses.
120
Type Role Mac Address
0012.f2e2.ba40
Returning to local session...
Type Role Mac Address
001b.ed7a.22c0
Returning to local session...
on page 120.
"Persistent MAC address"
Prio State Comment
0 local Ready
Prio State Comment
0 local Ready
"Manual allocation of the
on page 128).
PowerConnect B-Series FCX Configuration Guide
53-1002266-01