Dell Powerconnect 8164f Manual

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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The following figure shows shows the Stack LED that is located on the back panel of every Dell 
PowerConnect 8100 series switch.    
 Stacking LED for the Dell PowerConnect 8100/8100F series switch Figure 12.
 
When the switch is the Master of a stack, the LED glows solid blue.  If it is a stack member only, it 
glows solid amber.  When in stand-alone mode, the LED is off. 
 Note: Each stack members’ role (including the Master and...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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Caution:  5.0.x.x firmware will not load on a switch with the newer “B1” CPU. It is 
therefore recommended to upgrade all PowerConnect 8100 switches to the latest 
firmware.  See “Important Firmware Update for PowerConnect 81xx Stacking” at the 
beginning of this document for more information. 
 
 
 
Save the configuration to the Startup-Configuration on the System > File Management > Copy Files 
page. 
  
  

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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Adding new member units to a stack 
It is important that all stack member units run the same version of firmware.  Make sure to either 
upgrade firmware on the new units to be added to match the firmware on the Master, or use the 
automatic firmware update method found in section Automatic firmware updates for new members 
joining the stack.  
Caution:  5.0.x.x firmware will not load on a switch with the newer “B1” CPU. It is 
therefore...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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Notice the two 40G QSFP+ ports represented by interfaces F01/1/1 and F01/1/2.  These two interfaces 
will be used for stacking in the example below, though any of the interfaces listed may be used.  
Perform the following commands to convert each desired port to Stack mode.  
console#config 
console(config)#stack 
console(config-stack)#stack-port fortygigabitethernet 1/1/1 stack 
console(config-stack)#stack-port fortygigabitethernet...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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would result in two stacks.  Adding a new switch to the either end of the daisy-chain allows all other 
members to stay in constant communication and in turn allow the stack to stay intact during the 
process.   
On a daisy-chain stack:  
1. Configure the existing stack with new stack ports to be used to connect to the new switch.   
2. Cable the new switch into the existing stack. 
3. Power up the new switch.  The switch will be added...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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 Note: Once added to a stack, a switch’s out-of-band IP address and console port are no longer 
accessible.  Use the IP address and console port of the Master unit for management access, 
since the stack now acts as a single large switch.  
Repeat the above steps to add more new members to the stack.  
    

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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Web interface method 
The example below shows how to add a stack member to an existing stack using the Web user 
interface.  Before cabling an additional member to a stack, perform the steps below to setup the 
switch to join the stack.  Once configured, continue to follow the instructions for cabling to complete 
the task.  This works best when adding one stack member at a time.  If multiple new members are to 
be added, follow these...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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After saving the configuration, remove power from the switch.   
 Note: Hot insertion of units into the stack is not supported. Do not connect a new member to 
the stack while the new unit is powered up.  
Follow the steps in the following section to properly add the stacking cables and complete the process.    
Ring vs. daisy-chain topology 
If the original stack is cabled in a ring topology, where a stacking port on the last switch...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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2. Unplug the stacking cables from any existing member going to another existing member in the 
stack.  Only unplug the cables from one end, leaving them plugged into the other member. 
 Note: Only half of the stack cables in this member will be unplugged.  The cables going in the 
other direction to a third existing member will not be removed.  
3. Plug the other end of the new cables of the switch being added into the stack ports that...

Stacking Dell PowerConnect Switches: 8132, 8132F, 8164, 8164F 
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Updating firmware on a stack 
 Note: Make sure to check the Release Notes and any special instructions that may have come 
with new firmware updates.  It is important to follow instructions found in those documents if 
they deviate from this white paper.   
Steps for upgrading the firmware on a stack of switches are similar to upgrading the firmware on a 
single switch.  Whether downloading a new image to the Master by using the System...