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Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-8603-09
Chapter 6 Clustering Switches
Understanding Switch Clusters
Note Standby cluster command switches must be the same type of switches as the cluster command switch.
For example, if the cluster command switch is a Catalyst 2960 switch, the standby cluster command
switches must also be Catalyst 2960 switches. If the cluster command switch is a Catalyst 2960-S
switch, the standby cluster command switches must also be Catalyst 2960-S switches. Refer to the
switch configuration guide of other cluster-capable switches for their requirements on standby cluster
command switches.
Candidate Switch and Cluster Member Switch Characteristics
Candidate switches are cluster-capable switches and switch stacks that have not yet been added to a
cluster. Cluster member switches are switches and switch stacks that have actually been added to a
switch cluster. Although not required, a candidate or cluster member switch can have its own IP address
and password (for related considerations, see the “IP Addresses” section on page 6-13 and “Passwords”
section on page 6-13).
Note Stacking is supported only on Catalyst 2960-S switches running the LAN base image.
To join a cluster, a candidate switch must meet these requirements:
• It is running cluster-capable software.
• It has CDP version 2 enabled.
• It is not a command or cluster member switch of another cluster.
• If a cluster standby group exists, it is connected to every standby cluster command switch through
at least one common VLAN. The VLAN to each standby cluster command switch can be different.
• It is connected to the cluster command switch through at least one common VLAN.
Note Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, and Catalyst 3500 XL
candidate and cluster member switches must be connected through their management VLAN
to the cluster command switch and standby cluster command switches. For complete
information about these switches in a switch-cluster environment, refer to the software
configuration guide for that specific switch.
This requirement does not apply if you have a Catalyst 2970, Catalyst 3550, Catalyst 3560,
or Catalyst 3750 cluster command switch. Candidate and cluster member switches can
connect through any VLAN in common with the cluster command switch.