Add a node to an existing stack

With Extreme Networks switches a stack can contain up to 8 switches. The smart thing about a stack is that it logically behaves like a single switch. Management is made easier therefore. Even single switches can be configured as a stack. This may sound strange but it offers advantages when there is a need for extension.

To add an additional node, Extreme Networks names it slot, to a stack the new devices must be connected to the existing stack using a stacking cable first. After this the topology is extended as follows:
First we take a look at the active topology just the way the switch sees it:  

* Slot-1 switch.1 # sh stacking
Stack Topology is a Daisy-Chain
Active Topology is a Daisy-Chain
Node MAC Address    Slot  Stack State  Role     Flags
------------------  ----  -----------  -------  ---
*00:04:96:36:78:88  1     Active       Master   CA-
00:04:96:6c:f1:99  -     Disabled     Master   ---
* - Indicates this node

   

Flags:  (C) Candidate for this active topology, (A) Active Node
        (O) node may be in Other active topology

  The new switch can be found in line 2. It is currently deactivated for the stack. The important thing is the MAC address of the new switch because it is needed for the further process.

The next step is to activate stacking on the new switch:  

* Slot-1 switch.2 # enable stacking node-address "00:04:96:6c:f1:99"
This command will take effect at the next reboot of the specified node(s).

  Now the new slot is configured as slot 2.  

* Slot-1 switch.3 # configure stacking node-address "00:04:96:6c:f1:99" slot-number 2
This command will take effect at the next reboot of the specified node(s).

  The only thing remaining now is a reboot of the new switch for completing inclusion in the topology. Only the new node gets rebooted- the existing switch / stack keeps working without any interruption:  

* Slot-1 switch.4 # reboot node-address "00:04:96:6c:f1:99"
Do you want to save configuration changes to currently selected configuration
file (primary.cfg) and reboot?
(y - save and reboot, n - reboot without save, <cr> - cancel command) Yes
Saving configuration on master ................. done!

  After reboot the topology should look like the following:  

Slot-1 switch.5 # sh stacking
Stack Topology is a Daisy-Chain
Active Topology is a Daisy-Chain
Node MAC Address    Slot  Stack State  Role     Flags
------------------  ----  -----------  -------  ---
*00:04:96:36:78:88  1     Active       Master   CA-
00:04:96:6c:f1:99  2     Active       Backup   CA-
* - Indicates this node

   

Flags:  (C) Candidate for this active topology, (A) Active Node
        (O) node may be in Other active topology

  That's it! Configuration of the stack is finished now. It behaves like a single switch that can be managed with a single IP. From now on each change to the configuration is written to both nodes.

Thanks to Frank!