Enterasys C3 Configuration Guide 2-1
2
Configuring Switches in a Stack
This chapter provides information about configuring Enterasys C3 switches in a stack.
About Enterasys C3 Switch Operation in a Stack
The Enterasys C3 products are stackable switches that can be adapted and scaled to help meet
your network needs. These switches provide a management platform and uplink to a network
backbone for a stacked group of up to eight Enterasys C3 switches.
Once installed in a stack, the switches behave and perform as a single switch product. As such,
you can start with a single unit and add more units as your network expands. You can also mix
different products in the family in a single stack to provide a desired combination of port types
and functions to match the requirements of individual applications. In all cases, a stack of units
performs as one large product, and is managed as a single network entity.
When switches are installed and connected as described in your Enterasys C3 Installation Guide,
the following occurs during initialization:
• The switch that will manage the stack is automatically established. This is known as the
manager switch.
• All other switches are established as members in the stack.
• The hierarchy of the switches that will assume the function of backup manager is also
determined in case the current manager malfunctions, is powered down, or is disconnected
from the stack.
For information about ... Refer to page ...
About Enterasys C3 Switch Operation in a Stack 2-1
Installing a New Stackable System of Up to Eight Units 2-2
Installing Previously-Configured Systems in a Stack 2-3
Adding a New Unit to an Existing Stack 2-3
Creating a Virtual Switch Configuration 2-3
Considerations About Using Clear Config in a Stack 2-4
Issues Related to Mixed Type Stacks 2-4
Stacking Configuration and Management Commands 2-5
Note: You can mix SecureStack C2 and C3 switches in a single stack, although only the lowest
common denominator of functionality will be supported in a mixed stack. Refer to “Issues Related to
Mixed Type Stacks” on page 2-4 for information about configuring a mixed stack.