Dell 3324, 3348 Stack Members and Unit ID

Overview 13
During the stacking setup, one device is selected by the network administrator as the stack
master, while all other devices are selected as stack members and assigned a unique Unit ID.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 stacks provide across-the-stack Layer 2 functionality including:
• Switching
• Trunking
• Port Mirroring
•VLANs
For example, VLANs can be configured from ports belonging to different stack members, or
configure port mirroring from a second stack member to a third stack member. Applications
running in a stacking configuration are centralized. For example, the Spanning Tree
Protocol for the entire stack runs on the master unit. Device software is downloaded
separately for each stack member.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 stacking architecture provides dynamic learning for the stacking
topology, while detecting and reconfiguring the ports with minimal operational impact in
the event of:
• Unit Failure
• Inter-unit Link Loss
• Unit Insertion
• Removal of a Stacking Unit
Stack Members and Unit ID
The stacking operation mode is determined during the Boot process.
PowerConnect 3324/3348 units are shipped with a default Unit ID of one. The Unit ID is
essential to the stacking configuration. If a stack member reboots without a stacking
module, the device operates as a stand-alone until the device is reset. If a PowerConnect
3324/3348 unit is operating as a stand-alone unit, all stacking LEDs are off. The Unit ID is
not erased and remains valid if the unit is reconnected to a stack.
NOTE: The stacking module must be inserted into port G2 for the stack to operate. If the
stacking module is inserted in port G1, a warning message is displayed on the console.