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Configuring Switch Clusters
Restrictions for Configuring Switch Clusters
Has CDP version 2 enabled.
Is not a command or cluster member switch of another cluster.
If a cluster standby group exists, the switch is connected to every standby cluster command switch through at least
one common VLAN. The VLAN to each standby cluster command switch can be different.
Is connected to the cluster command switch through at least one common VLAN.
Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, and Catalyst 3500 XL candidate and cluster
member switches must be connected through their management VLAN to the cluster command switch and
standby cluster command switches. For complete information about these switches in a switch-cluster
environment, refer to the software configuration guide for that specific switch.
This requirement does not apply if you have a Catalyst 2970, Catalyst 3550, Catalyst 3560, or Catalyst 3750
cluster command switch. Candidate and cluster member switches can connect through any VLAN in common
with the cluster command switch.
Restrictions for Configuring Switch Clusters
We do not recommend using the ip http access-class global configuration command to limit access to specific hosts
or networks. Access should be controlled through the cluster command switch or by applying access control lists (ACLs)
on interfaces that are configured with IP address. For more information on ACLs, see Configuring Network Security with
ACLs, page 545
Information About Configuring Switch Clusters
A switch cluster is a set of up to 16 connected, cluster-capable Catalyst switches that are managed as a single entity.
The switches in the cluster use the switch clustering technology so that you can configure and troubleshoot a group of
different Catalyst desktop switch platforms through a single IP address.
In a switch cluster, one switch must be the cluster command switch and up to 15 other switches can be cluster member
switches. The total number of switches in a cluster cannot exceed 16 switches. The cluster command switch is the single
point of access used to configure, manage, and monitor the cluster member switches. Cluster members can belong to
only one cluster at a time.
Benefits of Clustering Switches
Management of switches regardless of their interconnection media and their physical locations. The switches can
be in the same location, or they can be distributed across a Layer 2 or Layer 3 (if your cluster is using a
Catalyst 3550, Catalyst 3560, or Catalyst 3750 switch as a Layer 3 router between the Layer 2 switches in the
cluster) network.
Cluster members are connected to the cluster command switch according to the connectivity guidelines described
in the Automatic Discovery of Cluster Candidates and Members, page 94. This section includes management VLAN
considerations for the Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, and Catalyst 3500 XL
switches. For complete information about these switches in a switch-cluster environment, refer to the software
configuration guide for that specific switch.
Command-switch redundancy if a cluster command switch fails. One or more switches can be designated as
standby cluster command switches to avoid loss of contact with cluster members. A cluster standby group is a group
of standby cluster command switches.
Management of a variety of switches through a single IP address. This preserves IP addresses, especially if you have
a limited number of them. All communication with the switch cluster is through the cluster command switch IP
address.
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