Adding a switch to a stack as a new member

Networking stacking allows for switches to be added to the stack while the stack is operational (as long as the maximum number of 10 switches in the stack is not exceeded).

  1. Provision the stack for the new switch by entering the following command: 
    
switch(config)# stacking member N type JxxxxA [mac MAC-Addr]
    where:

    • N is the stacking member number for the switch.

    • JxxxxA is the product number of the switch (required). Any of the 3810M models can be installed and assume this provisioned configuration. If you specify a value for this parameter, then only a switch of this specific model type can assume this provisioned configuration.

    • (Optional) MAC-Addr can be specified if you want a specific switch to assume this provisioned configuration. If this value is entered, then the type value for the switch that has this MAC address must be correct, or a configuration error is logged and the switch is not allowed to join the stack.

    • (Optional) You can preconfigure a priority for the member switch by entering this command:

      switch(config)# stacking <member-ID> priority <1-255>

      Where:

      • <member-ID> is the stacking member number for the switch.

      • 1–255 is the priority (but it must be less than the priority assigned to the Commander. The priority for the Standby should be the second highest in the stack. The member switches can be left at the default priority value of 128.)

      NOTE:

      You must configure the type and the priority separately.

    NOTE:

    When the new switch has been provisioned in the stack, a complete configuration can be applied to the switch even before it is physically connected to the stack, connected to the network, and powered up.

  2. Power on the new switch. The new switch does not become a member of the stack unless stacking has been enabled on the switch.

  3. Install a Stacking Module into the new switch, connect the switch into the stack via the stacking cables, and form the desired stacking topology.

  4. When the switch has finished booting, establish a console session with it and, from the config context, issue the command to enable stacking:

    switch(config)# stacking enable

    This causes the switch to reboot. When the reboot is complete, the switch is a member of the stack with the attributes that you provisioned for it.

  5. Confirm that the switch is now a member of the stack by issuing a show stacking command via a console session with any of the switches in the stack. The command output should show that the new switch is a Standby or Member of the stack with the member number and priority that you assigned to it.

When you add the switch to the stack, the following occurs:

  • The Stack Revision Number is incremented by one.

  • The Commander verifies that the new switch has the same switch software as the other switches in the stack, and downloads the software to the new switch if it does not. When downloading new software, there will be an automatic reboot during this process.

  • A stack ID is assigned, even if the switch is later disconnected from the stack.

  • The member’s console shows a change in hostname as Aruba Stack 3810M. The console is not redirected.

  • The OOBM IP address for that member is no longer reachable.

  • Ethernet port address is renamed from 1 to 1/1, 2/1,3/1 ...10/1 depending on the member number or member port number.