Master Switch Selection on ESW2-550x Stackable Switches

Objective

Stacking is a process in which a user can use one switch to configure settings for a series of switches. The central switch used to configure all the settings is called the Master Switch. The Master Switch can either be chosen by the user, or automatically chosen by the computer using a series of different methods. For general stacking settings refer to Stack Setting on ESW2-550X Series Stackable Switches.

The objective of this document is to explain how to choose a master switch on ESW2-550x Series Stackable Switches

Applicable Devices

• ESW2-550X
• ESW2-550X-DC

Software Version

• 1.3.0.62

Master Selection Process

Step 1. Log in to the web configuration utility and choose Administration > System Mode and Stack Management. The System mode and Stack Management page opens:

The Master unit is chosen between the master-enabled units (either unit 1 or unit 2). There are 4 different ways a Master Unit can be chosen.

• Force Master — The stack first checks to see if the user has explicitly allocated any switch in the stack to be the master switch. If force master is activated on a unit from the System Mode and Stack Management page as the master unit, it remains master even after reboot. 

• System Up Time — If no switch has been allocated as the master switch by the user the master-enabled units in the stack (units 1 and 2 are the default candidates) compare how long the switches have been active (measured in 10 minute segments). The unit with the higher number of segments is selected as the master unit. 

• Unit ID — If both units have the same number of time segments the switch with the lowest unit ID is selected as the master unit.

• MAC Address — If both units have the same unit ID number, the unit with the lowest MAC address is chosen as the master unit.

Note: Force Master is the only method in selecting a Master Switch in which the user has any input. If the user desires a certain switch to be the master, they should explicitly do so.

Step 2. Select the switches you want to manipulate by clicking the check box at the far left-hand side of the Stack Administrative Settings Table.



Step 3. Under the Stack Unit Number drop down menu, assign the desired unit number for the switch selected.



Note: If you want to set the switch as a Master Switch, make sure you select the option 1 – Force Master or 2 – Force Master. If you want the switches to select a Master Switch automatically select the Auto option.

Step 4. After you have made all the necessary changes click Apply and Reboot.