Juniper Networks EX4200, EX3200 manual Planning the Virtual Chassis

Chapter 8

Planning the Virtual Chassis

■Understanding Virtual Chassis Hardware Configuration on an EX4200 Switch on page 101

■Planning the Virtual Chassis on page 102

■Virtual Chassis Cabling Configuration Examples for EX4200 Switches on page 103

■Adding a New Switch to an Existing Virtual Chassis Configuration (CLI Procedure) on page 105

Understanding Virtual Chassis Hardware Configuration on an EX4200 Switch

Virtual Chassis is a feature in Juniper Networks EX4200 Ethernet Switches that allows you to interconnect two or more EX4200 switches, enabling them to operate as a unified single high bandwidth switch. You can interconnect a maximum of 10 EX4200 switches through the dedicated 64-Gbps Virtual Chassis ports (VCPs) or the uplink module ports configured as VCPs to form a Virtual Chassis. All EX4200 switch models support Virtual Chassis, and you can interconnect different models, offering a range of port configurations, within the same Virtual Chassis.

The Virtual Chassis configuration includes designation of a master switch and a backup switch, with all other switches in the configuration designated as "line card" role switches. Virtual Chassis operation is managed through the master switch. Each switch in the Virtual Chassis is assigned a unique identifier that is displayed on the switch LCD.

Related Topics ■ Understanding Virtual Chassis Components

■Planning the Virtual Chassis on page 102

■Virtual Chassis Ports Connector Pinout Information for EX4200 Switches on page 74

■Virtual Chassis Cabling Configuration Examples for EX4200 Switches on page 103

Understanding Virtual Chassis Hardware Configuration on an EX4200 Switch ■ 101