Understanding Stacks
Stack Configuration Files
The master has the saved and running configuration files for the stack. All members periodically receive
synchronized copies of the configuration files from the master. If the master becomes unavailable, any
member assuming the role of master has the latest configuration files.
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A new, out-of-box switch joining a stack uses the system-level settings of that stack. If a switch is moved
to a different stack, it loses its saved configuration file and uses the system-level configuration of the
new stack.
The interface-specific configuration of each member is associated with its member number. A stack
member keeps its number unless it is manually changed or it is already used by another member in the
same stack.
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If you replace a failed member with an identical model, the replacement member automatically uses the
same interface-specific configuration. You do not need to reconfigure the interface settings. The
replacement switch must have the same member number as the failed switch.
You back up and restore the stack configuration in the same way as you do for a standalone switch
configuration.
For information about
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Additional Considerations for System-Wide Configuration on Switch Stacks
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Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
7-14
System-level (global) configuration settings—such as IP, STP, VLAN, and SNMP settings—that
apply to all members
Member interface-specific configuration settings, which are specific for each member
If an interface-specific configuration does not exist for that member number, the member uses its
default interface-specific configuration.
If an interface-specific configuration exists for that member number, the member uses the
interface-specific configuration associated with that member number.
The benefits of provisioning a switch stack, see the
page
7-7.
File systems and configuration files, see
Configuration Files, and Software Images."
"Planning and Creating Clusters" chapter in the Getting Started with Cisco Network Assistant,
available on Cisco.com
"MAC Addresses and Switch Stacks" section on page 5-15
"802.1x Authentication and Switch Stacks" section on page 10-11
"VTP and Switch Stacks" section on page 14-8
"Spanning Tree and Switch Stacks" section on page 16-12
"MSTP and Switch Stacks" section on page 17-8
"DHCP Snooping and Switch Stacks" section on page 20-7
"IGMP Snooping and Switch Stacks" section on page 21-6
"Port Security and Switch Stacks" section on page 23-18
"CDP and Switch Stacks" section on page 25-2
"SPAN and RSPAN and Switch Stacks" section on page 27-10
"Stack Offline Configuration" section on
Appendix A, "Working with the Cisco IOS File System,
Chapter 7
Managing Switch Stacks
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