NETGEAR 7000 Series manual Switch Stack Software Compatibility Recommendations

NETGEAR 7000 Series Managed Switch Administration Guide Version 7.2

Switch Stack Software Compatibility Recommendations

All stack members must run the same software version to ensure compatibility between stack members. The software versions on all stack members, including the stack master, must be the same. This helps ensure full compatibility in the stack protocol version among the stack members.

If a stack member is running a software version that is not the same as the stack master, then the stack member is not allowed to join the stack. Use the show switch command to list the stack members and software versions. See “Code Mismatch”.

Incompatible Software and Stack Member Image Upgrades

You can upgrade a switch that has an incompatible software image by using the archive download-swxmodem ymodem zmodem tftp://ip/filepath/filename command (this is in the stacking configuration mode). It copies the software image from an existing stack member to the one with incompatible software. That switch automatically reloads and joins the stack as a fully functioning member.

Switch Stack Configuration Files

The configuration files record settings for all global and interface specific settings that define the operation of the stack and individual members. Once a save config command is issued, all stack members store a copy of the configuration settings. If a stack master becomes unavailable, any stack member assuming the role of stack master will operate from the saved configuration files.

When a new, out-of-box switch joins a switch stack, it uses the system-level settings of that switch stack. However, if you want it to store this system level configuration, you must issue a save config command.

You back up and restore the stack configuration in the same way as you would for standalone switch configuration by using the copy command.

20-8 Managing Switch Stacks

v1.0, May 2008