Introduction 15
Each port in the stack has a specific Unit ID, port type, and port number, which are part of both the
configuration commands and the configuration files. Configuration files are managed only from the
device Stack Master, including:
• Saving to the FLASH
• Uploading Configuration files to an external TFTP Server/HTTP Client
• Downloading Configuration files from an external TFTP Server/HTTP Client
NOTE: Stack configuration for all configured ports is saved, even if the stack is reset and/or the ports are no
longer present.
Whenever a reboot occurs, topology discovery is performed, and the Master learns all units in the stack.
Unit IDs are saved in the unit and are learned through topology discovery. If a unit attempts to boot
without a selected Master, and the unit is not operating in stand-alone mode, the unit does not boot.
Configuration files are changed only through explicit user configuration. Configuration files are not
automatically modified when:
• Units are Added
• Units are Removed
• Units are reassigned Unit IDs
• Units toggle between Stacking Mode and Stand-alone Mode
Each time the system reboots, the Startup Configuration file in the Master unit is used to configure
thestack.
If a stack member is removed from the stack, and then replaced with a unit with the same Unit ID,
thestack member is configured with the original device configuration. Only ports which are physically
present are displayed in the PowerConnect OpenManage Switch Administrator home page, and can be
configured through the web management system. Non-present ports are configured through the CLI or
SNMP interfaces.
Exchanging Stacking Members
If a stack member with the same Unit ID replaces an existing Unit ID with the same Unit ID, the
previous device configuration is applied to the inserted stack member. If the new inserted device has
either more or fewer ports than the previous device, the relevant port configuration is applied to the new
stack member. For example,
• If a PowerConnect 3524/P replaces PowerConnect 3524/P, all port configurations remain thesame.
• If a PowerConnect 3548/P replaces the PowerConnect 3548/P, all port configurations remain the same.