Introduction - Dell PowerConnect 8132 Manual

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F

Introduction

Most Dell PowerConnect switches today include a stacking feature that allows multiple switches to
operate as a single unit. These stacks include up to six Dell PowerConnect 8132/8132F/8164/8164F
switches in any combination, use up to four links between stack members, and use any port type on the
front panel to create these links
A single switch in the stack (known as the Master switch) manages all the units in the stack and uses a
single IP address, which allows the user to manage every port in the stack from this one address. This
IP address is copied from the Master to the Standby when the Standby is created. If for any reason the
Master fails and the Standby takes over as Master, the IP address of the stack remains the same,
allowing continuous management of the stack.
The new Master unit also continues to use the original Master unit's MAC addresses, which helps to
reduce disruptions to the network. When a failed Master re-joins the stack, it does so as a member
(not a Master) unless a new Master has not had time to be elected.
Note: Dell PowerConnect 8132, 8132F, 8164, and 8164F series switches can be mixed in any
combination within a stack.
This document provides an easy to use step-by-step guide on how to configure stacking for the Dell
PowerConnect 8132 (Figure 1), PowerConnect 8132F (Figure 2), PowerConnect 8164 (Figure 3) and the
PowerConnect 8164F (Figure 4).
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Figure 1. Dell PowerConnect 8132
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Figure 2. Dell PowerConnect 8132F
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Figure 3. Dell PowerConnect 8164
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Figure 4. Dell PowerConnect 8164F
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