2-2
z It eases the configuration and management of multiple switches: You just need to
configure a public IP address for the management device instead of for all the
devices in the cluster; and then you can configure and manage all the member
devices through the management device without the need to log onto them one by
one.
z It provides the topology discovery and display function, which assists in monitoring
and maintaining the network.
z It allows you to configure and upgrade multiple switches at the same time.
z It enables you to manage your remotely devices conveniently regardless of
network topology and physical distance.
z It saves IP address resource.
2.1.2 Roles in a Cluster
The switches in a cluster play different roles according to their functions and status. You
can specify the role a switch plays. A switch in a cluster can also switch to other roles
under specific conditions.
As mentioned above, the three cluster roles are management device, member device,
and candidate device.
Table 2-1 Description on cluster roles
Role Configuration Function
Management device
Configured with
a external IP
address
z Provides an interface for managing all
the switches in a cluster
z Manages member devices through
command redirection, that is, it
forwards the commands intended for
specific member devices.
z Discovers neighbors, collects the
information about network topology,
manages and maintains the cluster.
Management device also supports
FTP server and SNMP host proxy.
z Processes the commands issued by
users through the public network
Member device
Normally, a
member device
is not assigned
an external IP
address
z Members of a cluster
z Discovers the information about its
neighbors, processes the commands
forwarded by the management
device, and reports log. The member
devices of a luster are under the
management of the management
device.
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