AX3800S/AX3650S Series

Stack Operation Guide(Operation and Maintenance)

Edition 2
Document No. NTS-12-R-002

ALAXALA Networks Corporation

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

Preface
The purpose of this document is to help deepen your understanding of how to perform operations to operate andmaintain the ALAXALA AX series stack functionality. Please use this document as a technical supplement toproduct manuals when operating or maintaining a switch using the stack functionality.

Related documents
 AX3800S/3650S Series product manuals (http://www.alaxala.com/en/techinfo/manual/index.html)
Software manuals
 Configuration Guide Vol. 1
 Configuration Command Reference Vol. 1
 Operation Command Reference Vol. 1
Software Update Guide

Notes on using this document
The information in this document is based on the basic operations verified under an environment specified by
ALAXALA Networks Corporation and does not guarantee operation of the functionality, performance, or reliability
under all environment requirements. Please use this document as a supplement to product manuals.
Unless otherwise stated, the OS software version as of the creation of this document is as follows:
AX3650S
Ver. 11.10
AX3830S
Ver. 11.10
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Export restrictions
In the event that any or all ALAXALA products (including technologies, programs and services) described orcontained herein are controlled under any of applicable export control laws and regulations (including the Foreign
Exchange and Foreign Trade Law of Japan and United States export control laws and regulations), such products
shall not be exported without obtaining the required export licenses from the authorities concerned in accordancewith the above laws.

TrademarksThe ALAXALA name and logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ALAXALA Networks
Corporation.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
Other company and product names in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of theirrespective owners.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

2

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

Update history
Edition.
1
2

Rev.
-

Date
May 2012
Feb. 2013

Copyright © 2012-2013,

Changes
First edition was issued.
The title of this document was partially changed (AXSeries => AX3800S/AX3650S Series ).
Description of the OS versions was updated.
Description on checking stack status (master/backup)
and a switch number by LEDs or SOP was added.
Description on procedures for changing a stack switch
back to standalone mode was partially changed.
Description on Stack Q & A (operation) was partiallychanged.

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

Location
Front coverPreface
1.4
2.6
3.1

3

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

Contents
1. Operation of Stacks .................................................................................................5
1.1

Stack Operation Commands ....................................................................................................... 5

1.2

Remote Commands .................................................................................................................... 6

1.2.1

What are remote commands? ............................................................................................. 6

1.2.2

Remote command classification .......................................................................................... 6

1.2.3

Using remote commands ..................................................................................................... 7

1.3

Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 7

1.4

Checking switch statuses and switch numbers ........................................................................... 8

1.5

Software Update Procedures .................................................................................................... 10

1.6

Procedure for Restoring a Configuration Backup Online .......................................................... 12

2. Stack Maintenance ................................................................................................14
2.1

Overview of Backups and Restorations .................................................................................... 14

2.2

Replacing a Switch .................................................................................................................... 14

2.3

Backup and Restoration Using SD Cards ................................................................................. 15

2.3.1

Operation command-based procedure .............................................................................. 15

2.3.2

Command-free maintenance functionality-based procedure............................................. 17

2.4

Configuring Settings for Replacement ...................................................................................... 19

2.5

Fault Information Collection Procedures ................................................................................... 21

2.6

Changing a Switch Back to Standalone Mode .......................................................................... 23

3. Stack Q&A .............................................................................................................24
3.1

Operation Q&A .......................................................................................................................... 24

3.2

Maintenance Q&A ..................................................................................................................... 24

4. Appendix ...............................................................................................................25

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

4

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1. Operation of Stacks
1.1

Stack Operation Commands

The following table shows the stack operation commands. These operation commands are necessary to operate
stacks.
Commandremote commandshow switch [detail]

Displays information on a member switch that makes up
a stack or the status summary of such a switch. To
display detailed information, add the option <detail>.
This command is valid for a member switch running in astack.
Changes the switch number of a switch that makes up a
stack. This command is used to change a switch fromstandalone mode to stack mode, or vice versa. To apply
a mode change, it is necessary to restart the switch.
If a switch is restarted without specifying stackenable in a configuration command, its switch number
is overwritten with 1.

set switch

Outputs detailed event trace information and control
table information collected for a stack management
program to a file. This command is used to collect a
dump such as a fault dump.
The storage directory and the name of the output dump
file are as follows:
Storage directory: /usr/var/stack/
Output file name: stack_dump.gz

dump stackcp <file 1> switch <switch no.> <file 2>
Copying the file from the local switch to the specified switch

cp switch <switch no.> <file 1> <file 2>
Copying the file from the specified switch to the local switch

Copyright © 2012-2013,

Description
In a stack configuration, this command executes anoperation command from the master switch to thespecified member switch. The command is executed by
setting the specified member switch to administratormode.
For information about the remote command, see 1.2
Remote Commands.

Copies the file from internal flash memory to themember switch with the specified switch number, orfrom the member switch with the specified switch
number to the internal flash memory of the local member
switch.
This command is used to copy a software image file orfault dump file.

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

5

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1.2

Remote Commands

1.2.1 What are remote commands?
In a stack configuration, a remote command is a stack-specific command for executing an operation commandfrom the master switch to a specified member switch. Remote commands are necessary to collect switch-specificinformation (such as physical Ethernet interface information), update software, and perform a backup or
restoration on member switches other than the master switch.
Stack link

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

T/R

LINK

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

Command execution

Consolecable# remote command 2 show system#::

Operator

1.2.2 Remote command classification
The following table shows the major operation commands using remote commands.
Display-related commands and operation-related clear commands provide an option to select between a specificmember switch (<switch no.>) and all member switches (all).
Classification
Display-related

Operation-related

Maintenance-related

Commandshow version<switch no.> | allshow systemshow interfaceshow port

reload<switch no.>ppupdate#

activate / inactivateclear logging<switch no.> | allclear countersbackup#<switch no.>restoreFile operation-related

Option#show tech-support<switch no.> | alldump stackls / dir<switch no.> | all

cp / mv /rm<switch no.>#: These commands are executed only from a master switch, as they are not allowed to be executed from a backup switch.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

6

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1.2.3 Using remote commands
An example of how to use a remote command is shown below. Specify either one or all member switches to which
the command is to be executed, and then enter an operation command to be executed. A remote command can
only be executed from a master switch.
1． Specify a switch number or all, and then enter a display or operation command.

# remote command [<switch no.> | all] <command>
2.

This example collects Ethernet interface 2/0/1 information from switch No. 2.
# remote command 2 show interfaces gigabitethernet 2/0/1
Switch 2 (Backup)-----------------Date 2012/04/20 11:43:00 UTC
NIF0:Port1: active up 1000BASE-T full(auto) 0012.e242.6e82:

3. This example collects Ethernet interface information from all member switches. If all is specified,master switch information is displayed first.
# remote command all show interfaces
Switch 1 (Master)-----------------Master information displayed first
Date 2012/04/20 11:43:00 UTC
geth1/0/1: NIF0/Port1
active up 1000BASE-T full(auto) 0012.e242.b298:
Switch 2 (Backup)-----------------Date 2012/04/20 11:43:00 UTC
geth2/0/1: NIF0/Port1
active up 1000BASE-T full(auto) 0012.e242.6e82:

1.3

Configuration

In a stack, all member switches that make up the stack run in the same configuration. The running configuration of a
stack configuration can only be edited from the master switch and cannot be edited from the backup switch. Also,
the show running-config running configuration display command cannot be executed from a backup switch.
Therefore, to edit or display a configuration, use the master switch.
Running configuration
Editing
Display

Copyright © 2012-2013,

Master switch
 Allowed
 Allowed

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

Backup switch
× Not allowed× Not allowed7

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1.4

Checking switch statuses and switch numbers

As shown below, there are two ways for checking switch statuses and switch numbers. With Ver.11.10 or later, you
can check them by LEDs or SOPs on switch panels.

 Check by display panels
You can check the switch status/number of a switch by LEDs on its front panel if the switch is an AX3800S series
switch or by its system operation panel (hereinafter, referred to as SOP) if it is an AX3650S series switch.
Procedures and display examples are as follows.

 AX3800S series
You can check the switch status/number by LEDs on the front panel of a switch. For standalone switches, allthese LEDs are in power-off state.

On the master switch, LED (ST2) is lit.
You can check the switch status by LED (ST2). The LED is lit when the switch is a master switch, and it ispowered off when the switch is a backup switch.

The switch number is indicated by LED (ID1 or ID2).
The switch number is indicated by LED (ID1 or ID2). ID1 is lit when the switch number is 1, and ID2 is lit
when the switch number is 2.
Master switch
Switch number: 1

ST2

ID1

ID2

Backup switch
Switch number: 2

ST2

ID1

ID2

ID1, ID2 : indicate switch numbers
ST2 : indicates switch status AX3650S series
You can check the switch status/number by the SOP mounted on the front panel of a switch.

The switch status and switch number are shown in the SOP.
Information on stack status (switch status, switch number) is shown in the following occasions.
 Switch status is changed (e.g., backup => master).
 One of the keys in the SOP is pressed down.
The information in the SOP disappears when 60 seconds have passed after it is shown. However, it appears
again if one of the keys in the SOP is pressed. For a standalone switch, no information is shown in the SOP.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

8

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)
Master switch
Switch number: 1
Switch No.1
MasterBackup switch
Switch number: 2
Switch No.2
BackupThe switch status and the switch
number are shown in the system
operation panel (SOP).

Operation keys

 Check via a console
To check the status/number of a switch via a console, you must log into the switch. The login procedures areshown below. To log in from a remote operation terminal via telnet, log into the master switch.

(1)

Connect to the console and log into the switch.

Connect the console cable and log into the member switch.

(2)

At the command prompt, check the switch status (master/backup).

When you are logged into the member switch, the command prompt appears. From the command prompt, you
can check the member switch status (master/backup).
1． Log in. You will see the command prompt.

If the switch you are logged in to is the master: Only the host name is displayed.
hostname>
If the switch you are logged in to is the backup: The host name and switch number (<02>) aredisplayed together with <B>, which indicates a backup.
hostname-02B>(3)

Use the appropriate stack operation command to check the switch number.

The stack operation command show switch can be used to check the switch number.
1． Use the stack operation command to check the switch number.

# show switch
Date 2012/04/20 11:38:56 UTC
Stack status : Enable
Switch No : 1
System MAC Address : 0012.e242.b298
No Switch status Model
Machine ID
Priority Ver
1 Master
3650-24t6xw
0012.e242.b298 20
1
2 Backup3650-24t6xw
0012.e242.6e82 10
1

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

9

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1.5

Software Update Procedures

To update software in a stack configuration, it is necessary to transfer an update file to each member switch and to
update the software on the individual switch.
The recommended procedure for software update in a stack configuration is as follows.



Recommended update procedure
Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

Operator

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

LINK

T/R

T/R

RESET

M

k.img

25

26

27

28

29

30

k.img
25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

B

RESET

CONSOLECopyk.img
FTP or SD card

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

T/R

LINK

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

PWR

26

27

28

29

30

UpdateMaster switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

RESET

25

CONSOLEST1

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

LINKCONSOLE

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

MC

B

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

LINK

T/R

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

PWR

26

27

28

29

30

UpdateBackup switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

RESET

25

CONSOLE

ST1

ACC

Stack link
LINK

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

M
T/R

RESET

25

CONSOLE

Master switch(switch No. = 2)
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

B

B

25

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

CONSOLE(1) Prepare the update file on the master switch and copy the file to the backup switch.
To update a non-master switch, it is necessary to store the update file on the target switch before executing the
update command.
1.

Use FTP or the SD card to transfer the software update file to the master switch.

2.

Use the following command to copy the update file from the master switch to the backup switch.
# cp /usr/var/update/k.img switch 2 /usr/var/update/k.img(2) Update the backup switch.
Update the backup switch.
1.

Use the remote command to update the backup switch.
# remote command 2 ppupdate /usr/var/update/k.img

2.

When the update is complete, the backup switch automatically restarts.

3． Make sure that the backup switch is up and running successfully, and that the two-switch stackconfiguration has been established.
# remote command 2 show switch

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

10

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)(3) Update the master switch.
Update the master switch.
1. Update the master switch.
# ppupdate /usr/var/update/k.img
2. When the update is complete, the master switch automatically restarts. The backup switch now becomesthe master.

(4) Check the status of the stack.
Use the appropriate operation command to make sure that the two-switch stack configuration is running. This
completes the software update procedure.
1． Make sure that the former master switch (switch No. 1) has restarted as a backup switch and that thetwo-switch stack configuration is running.
# show switch If you do not want to change the master switch to a different switch
If you do not want to change the master switch to a different switch even after completing an update, you can doso by updating the master switch first. The same switch keeps the master role. However, please note that doing so
has some drawbacks. For example, master switchover will occur twice, and the communication interruption time
will become longer due to the dynamic routing used, as compared to the recommended procedure.
When updating the master switch first, consider these drawbacks. An overview of the procedure is as follows:

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

Operator

M

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

k.img

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

B

T/R

k.img
25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

CONSOLECopyk.img
FTP or SD card

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

M

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

LINK

T/R

T/R

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

UpdateB

RESET

CONSOLE

Master switchoveroccurred twice

Backup switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Master switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

B

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

LINK

T/R

T/R

M

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

CONSOLE

UpdateUpdate complete withthe same switch kept as
the master

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

M

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

PWR

ST1

ACC

T/R

MC

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

Copyright © 2012-2013,

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLEALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

25

26

27

28

29

30

B

RESET

CONSOLE11

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

1.6

Procedure for Restoring a Configuration Backup Online

This section describes how to restore a backed-up configuration online. Since this procedure requires the restart ofall member switches, a temporary communication interruption occurs. The backed-up configuration must meet thefollowing prerequisites.

 Prerequisites
The backed-up configuration file must meet the following prerequisites: No stack port has been changed.
 No switch number has been changed.
 No stack member model has been changed.

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

T/R

RESET

Operator

Copy the backup
configuration tostartup-config andrestart.

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

25

CONSOLE

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

AX3650S-24T6XW

LINK

26

27

28

29

30

B

RESET

CONSOLE

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

MC

Change the master selection
priority of switch No. 2 to 1.

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Stack link

Restarted
LINK

25

26

ST1

ACC

PWR

ST1

ACC

27

28

29

30

B

CONSOLE

MC

T/R

LINK

T/R

RESET

27

28

29

30

RESET

Automaticallyrestarted

CONSOLE

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
PWR

26

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)
AX3650S-24T6XW

MCM

AX3650S-24T6XW

RESET

25

CONSOLE

AX3650S-24T6XW

LINK

26

27

28

29

30

B

CONSOLE

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

T/R

LINK

RESET

M

(1)

25

26

27

28

29

30

Synchronized with the masterswitch config and start as the
backup.

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

MC

25

CONSOLE

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

B

CONSOLE

Change the master selection priority of the backup switch.

Prepare the backup config file in the master switch and use the config setting command to temporarily change
the master selection priority of the switch number for the backup switch to 1.
1. Prepare the backup config file in the master switch.
2. Change the master selection priority of the backup switch (switch No. 2) to 1 and save the new setting.

config# switch 2 priority 1
config# save

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

12

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)(2)

Copy the backup config to the startup config.

Copy the backed-up config to the startup config file. Perform this step only to the master switch.
1． Copy the backup config file to the startup config file.

# copy backup-config.cnf startup-config
Configuration file copy to startup-config? (y/n)(3)

yRestart the master switch.

Use the appropriate operation command to restart the master switch. After the master switch restarts, the backup
switch with switch No. 2 will start automatically after a while.
1． Restart the master switch. The backup switch will restart automatically.

# reload no-dump-image –f(4)

Check the status of the stack and its running configuration.

The member switch with switch No. 2 is synchronized with the master switch configuration and restarts as a
backup switch. When the two member switches fully restart, check the status of the stack and its runningconfiguration.
1． Check the status of the stack and its running configuration.

# show switch# show running-config

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

13

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2. Stack MaintenanceThis chapter describes maintenance work, such as a hardware replacement, which is necessary if a member switch
fails or if another problem occurs in a stack configuration.

2.1

Overview of Backups and Restorations

The AX series has backup and restore functionality.
The backup functionality backs up the settings (including the configuration), software, and license information of arunning switch. The restore functionality restores the backed up hardware information to the switch.
In a stack configuration, the backup and restore functionality makes it easier to do maintenance work by eliminating
the necessity of software version matching and configuration settings if it becomes necessary to replace a switch due
to a hardware fault or other problem.
Therefore, when using a stack, it is recommended that the backup functionality be used to save a backup file before
operating the stack.

2.2

Replacing a Switch

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Stack link
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

M

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

Fault occurred

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLEB

Replace
Replacement switch
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

If it becomes necessary to replace a member switch due to a hardware fault in a stack configuration, the following
replacement methods are available. Select the appropriate replacement method according to the workflows.
The following description assumes backup switch replacement. If it is necessary to replace a master switch due to aport fault or other problem, stop the master switch, switch the master switch to a different switch, and then use thesame procedure to replace the original master switch.
Switch goesdown(1) Replacing the switch by
backup/restoration function

Yes

Is there a backup file for thefailed switch?

No(2) Replacing the switch byconfiguration setting.

(1) Replacing the switch by backup/restoration function
On each member switch, use the SD card for backup/restoration. This method is recommended because it makes
maintenance work easier. Command-free maintenance functionality is also available.
For details, see 2.3 Backup and Restoration Using SD Cards.

(2) Replacing the switch by configuration setting
If there is no backup file, it is necessary to match the software version between the replacement switch and theother member switches and to configure stack-related settings.
For details, see 2.4 Configuring Settings for Replacement.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

14

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2.3

Backup and Restoration Using SD Cards

2.3.1 Operation command-based procedure
This section describes how to back up and restore switch information using operation commands on an operation
management terminal.
During operation

Backup steps

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

AX3650S-24T6XW

backup1

M

PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

T/R

LINK

Operator

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

MC

ACC

LINK

26

27

28

29

30

T/R

backup2

RESET

25

1. Insert SD cards into the member switches.
2. Save the master switch backup file to the SD
card of the master switch.
3. Save the backup switch backup file to the SD
card of the backup switch.

CONSOLE

1

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

B

30

CONSOLE

2

Fault occurred

Restoration steps

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

ACC

LINK

PWR

27

28

29

MC

ACC

LINK

RESET

26

ST1

Fault occurred

T/R

25

M

30

1. Insert the SD card (in this case, the SD cardof the backup switch) into the replacement
switch.
2. Restore the data to the replacement switch.

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link

25

CONSOLE

26

T/R

RESET

27

28

29

30

CONSOLEB

Replacement switch
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

Restore the replacement switch
without connecting the cable to it.

Operator2

Switch replacement
Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

backup2

Stacking steps

Stack link
Replacement switch
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

LINK

T/R

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

LINK

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

25

CONSOLE

After connecting the cable, start
the replacement switch.

26

27

28

29

30

B
CONSOLE

1. After completing the restoration, stop thereplacement switch.
2. Connect the stack port with the cable.
3. Start the replacement switch.

Replace Backup procedure
To use an operation command to back up switch information in a stack configuration, use the command from themaster switch.

(1) Insert SD cards into the appropriate member switches.
Insert an SD card into each of the master and backup switches.

(2) Save the master switch backup file to the SD card of the master switch.
Use the backup operation command to save the master switch backup file to the SD card.
1． Log into the master switch and use backup to save a backup image file to the SD card.

# backup mc sw1_backup.dat
2． When the backup is complete, make sure that the SD card contains the backup file.

# ls mc-dir

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

15

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)(3) Save the backup switch backup file to the SD card of the backup switch.
Use the remote command and backup operation commands to save a backup switch backup file to the SD
card.
1． Log into the master switch and use remote command 2 backup to save a backup image file to the SD card.

# remote command 2 backup mc sw2_backup.dat

2． When the backup is complete, make sure that the SD card contains the backup file.

# remote command 2 ls mc-dir

 Restoration procedure(1) Save the backup file to the SD card.
Save the backup image file with the appropriate switch number to the SD card.

(2) Insert the SD card into the replacement switch and start restoration.
When the replacement switch is up and running, insert the SD card and use the appropriate operation command
to start restoration. The command will restore operation information including software and config information,and the switch will restart automatically.
1． Restore the backup image file with the appropriate switch number by specifying the memory card.

# restore mc sw2_backup.dat(3) Stop the switch, connect the stack link, and restart the switch.
When the restart is complete, stop the replacement switch. The purpose of this step is to prevent switchover
between the master switch and the backup switch.
1．

When the restart is complete, stop the replacement switch.

# reload stop –f no-dump-image#
ROM 00.06.10
Rom:
2．

Connect the stack link and restart the switch. Instead, you can turn the power switch off and then on.

ROM 00.06.10
Rom: boot..........
3.

Make sure that the member switch with switch No. 2 is running as a backup switch in a two-switch stackconfiguration.

# show switch

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

16

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2.3.2 Command-free maintenance functionality-based procedure
The command-free maintenance functionality allows maintenance to be performed simply by inserting an SD
card containing a maintenance script file# into the switch without using an operation terminal.
This command-free functionality can also be used in a stack configuration to back up and restore switch
information. This section describes how to perform a backup and restoration using the command-freemaintenance functionality in a stack configuration.
#: For information about how to use script files for the command-free maintenance functionality, contact your distributor.

During operation
Backup steps
Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

ACC

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
LINK

PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

T/R

LINK

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

1. Copy the backup script to the SD card.
2. Insert the SD card into the switch.
3. A backup file is created on the SD card. Store theSD card.

RESET

25

CONSOLE1

2

ax backup

ax_backup

26

27

28

29

B

30

CONSOLE

Fault occurred
Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

ACC

ST1

Backup switch(switch No. = 2)

Stack link
LINK

PWR

27

28

29

30

25

CONSOLE

1. Copy the restore script to the above SD card.
2. Insert the SD card into the replacement switch.

MC

ACC

T/R

LINK

RESET

26

ST1

Fault occurred

T/R

25

M

Restoration steps

26

RESET

27

28

29

30

CONSOLEB

Replacement switch
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

MC

ACC

LINK

T/R

RESET

25

26

27

28

29

30

CONSOLE

Restoration is performed in thereplacement switch without connecting
a cable to it.

2

Switch replacementax restore

Stacking steps

Master switch(switch No. = 1)
AX3650S-24T6XW

PWR

ST1

ACC

Stack link
Replacement switch
AX3650S-24T6XW

MC

PWR

ST1

ACC

MC

T/R

LINK

LINK

T/R

RESET

M

25

26

27

28

29

30

RESET

25

CONSOLE

26

27

28

29

30

B
CONSOLE

Replace

1. After completing the restoration, stop thereplacement switch.
2. Connect the stack port with the cable.
3. Start the replacement switch.

After connecting the cable,
start the replacement switch.

 Backup procedure(1) Copy the backup script to the SD card.
Copy the ax_backup backup script to the /ax_mente directory of the SD card. Do not place any otherscripts in the /ax_mente directory.

(2) For each member switch, insert the SD card into it and create a backup file.
For each member switch, insert the SD card into its slot. In a stack configuration, each member switch has adifferent switch number, thus it is necessary to back up switch information for each member switch.
When the SD card access lamp (ACC LED) turns off, remove the SD card from the slot. A backup image file issaved in the / directory of the SD card under a name of MMMM_yyyymmdd_backup_n.dat (in which,
MMMM: host name, yyyy: year, mm: month, dd: day, and n: serial number within the MC).
Please note that the saved backup image file has the same file name among all the member switches. It is
recommended that a tab be attached on each SD card being inserted so that the backup file and switch number
can be identified.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

17

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

 Restore procedure(1) Copy the restore script to the SD card.
Copy the ax_restore restore script to the /ax_mente directory of the SD card. Do not place any otherscripts in the /ax_mente directory.

(2) Prepare the backup file in the SD card.
Prepare the backup image file in the / directory of the SD card. Change the name of the backup file saved in the
backup procedure from MMMM_yyyymmdd_backup_n.dat to ax_backup.dat.

(3) Insert the SD card into the replacement switch and start the restoration.
When the replacement switch is turned on and is up and running, insert the SD card and start restoration. When
the SD card access lamp turns off, remove the SD card. The replacement switch restarts automatically tocomplete the restoration.

1．

Before connecting the cable to the replacement switch, insert the SD card into its slot.

2．

When the SD card access lamp turns off, remove the SD card from the slot.

3．

The switch automatically restarts in 30 to 60 seconds to complete the restoration.

(4) Stop the switch, connect the stack link, and restart the switch.
When the restart is complete, turn the replacement switch off to stop it. The purpose of this step is to prevent
switchover between the master switch and backup switch.
1．

When the blinking ST1 status lamp, which is one of the switch LEDs, stops blinking, the restart is complete. Whenthe restart is complete, turn the replacement switch off to stop it. This prevents switchover between the master andbackup.

2． Establish stack links between the member and replacement switches.
3．

Turn the replacement switch on to recover the stack configuration.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

18

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2.4

Configuring Settings for Replacement

To use a replacement switch if no switch information is backed up with the backup functionality, it is necessary to
manually match the software version/license of the replacement switch with those of the other member switches
and configure stack-related settings.

(1) Check the optional license and software of the member switches andreplacement switch.
To add a replacement switch to a stack configuration, it is necessary to match the software version and license of
the replacement switch with those of the other member switches. Make sure that the software version and licenseof the replacement switch match those of the running member switches. If they do not match, match the software
version and license of the replacement switch with those of the other member switches.

(2) Match the software version and license of the replacement switch.
If the software version or license of the replacement switch differs from that of the running member switches,
obtain the same software version or license to match it.
1. Update the software of the replacement switch to match it with the version of the member switches.

# ppupdate /usr/var/update/k.img

2. Match the license information of the replacement switch with the version of the member switches.

# set license key-code 0123-4567-89ab-cdef-0123-4567-89ab-cdef(3) Place the replacement switch in a single-switch stack.
Set a switch number and enable the stack in the replacement switch, and restart the switch to place it into asingle-switch stack.
1.

Use the operation command to set the switch number. In this example, specify a switch number of 2.

# set switch 2
2.

Use the config command to enable the stack.
In response to the message confirming the configuration changes, enter y.

config# stack enable
After this command execute, please save configuration editing now instartup-config, and please reboot a device.
Do you wish to continue ? (y/n): y

3. Save the configuration and return to administrator mode.

config# save
config# exit

4. Restart the replacement switch. After restarting, the replacement switch runs as switch No. 2.

# reload no-dump-image -f

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

19

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)(4) Configure settings necessary to configure a stack.
Specify a stack port and set the master selection priority to prevent master switch switchover.
1. Set the Ethernet interface of the replacement switch as a stack port.

config# interface range tengigabitethernet 2/0/25-26
config-if-range# switchport mode stackconfig-if-range# exit

2. Set the master selection priority to 1 to prevent master switch switchover.

config# switch 2 priority 1

3. Save the configuration and return to administrator mode.

config# save
config# exit

(5) Connect the stack ports to form a two-switch stack.
Connect the stack ports of the replacement switch and running member switch, and make it into a two-switch
stack.
1. Connect the stack ports of the replacement switch and running member switch.

2. Since the master selection priority of the replacement switch is set to 1, the replacement switch restarts automaticallyas a backup switch.
3. Make sure that the two-stack configuration is running.

# show switch detail

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

20

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2.5

Fault Information Collection ProceduresThis section describes how to collect fault information in a stack configuration.

 Collecting fault dump information(1) Check to see whether there are dump files.
Check to see whether there are dump files.
1．

Check to see whether there are dump files.

# remote command all show dumpfile
Switch 1 (Master)----------------Date 2012/05/17 11:03:22 UTC[/dump0]:
File NamermdumpDate
2012/04/27 06:10:31
Version
17 11.8.A
Serial No
TA03FA24T6XWS406012R001
FactorUser operation[/usr/var/hardware]:No dump file.
Switch 2 (Backup)----------------Date 2012/05/17 11:03:22 UTC[/dump0]:
File NamermdumpDate
2012/04/23 04:26:20
Version
17 11.8.A
Serial No
TA03FA48T4XWS406212R001
FactorUser operation

Since the backup switch
uses the same file name as
the master switch, be careful
so that the file is notoverwritten.

[/usr/var/hardware]:No dump file.

(2) Copy the dump file to the master switch.
If the dump file exists in the backup switch, copy the file to the master switch. Since the master switch uses thesame dump file name as the backup switch, change the file name so that it can be identified with the switch
number.
1. On the master switch, make a copy of the dump file of the master switch (with switch No. 1) and rename the file name.

# cp /dump0/rmdump sw1_rmdump

2. Copy the dump file from the backup switch (with switch No. 2) to the master switch and rename the file name.

# cp switch 2 /dump0/rmdump sw2_rmdump(3) Copy the collected dump files to an SD card or transfer them to your FTP server.
Copy the collected dump files to an SD card or transfer them to your FTP server.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

21

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

 Collecting show tech-support information(1) Execute the show tech-support remote command.
Collect show tech-support information from all member switches including the master and backup by
specifying all.
1. Specify a file name to redirect show tech-support information to the file.
Also, execute the remote command from the master switch by specifying all to collect the information from themaster and backup switches.

# remote command all show tech-support > show-tech.txt
Collect show tech-support information for the two switches, from the master first and then the backup, into afile. The file is saved in /usr/home/operator of the master switch.
Note: The information can be collected from individual switches. In this case, please note that, if the same file name is used
for different member switches, the existing file is overwritten.

(2) Copy the collected information to an SD card or transfer it to your FTP server.
Copy the collected show tech-support information to an SD card or transfer it to your FTP server.

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

22

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

2.6

Changing a Switch Back to Standalone Mode

This section describes how to change a switch back from stack mode to standalone mode. Please note that thisprocedure converts a member switch of a stack back to operate as standalone again.
Also, this procedure requires standalone backup configurations for a target switch model. The configuration files
are attached to this document. You can store and use them whenever needed.
Configuration files for each series/model
SeriesModel
AX3830S-44XW
AX3800S
AX3830S-44X4QW
AX3650S
AX3650S-24T6XW
AX3650S-20S6XW
AX3650S-48T4XW(1)File namedefault_3830_44XW.txt
default_3830_44X4QW.txt
default_3650_24T6XW.txt
default_3650_20S6XW.txt
default_3650_48T4XW.txt

Save configuration files into a flash memory card.

Save the configuration files of a target member switch into a flash memory card.

(2)

Remove cables from the target member switch.

To prevent a loop, remove all cables from the target member switch.

(3)

Copy the saved configuration files to the startup-config and restart the switch.
Copy the saved configuration file to the startup-config, and restart the target switch.
1. Copy the initial configuration saved in step (1) to startup-config.

# copy backup_3650s-24t6xw.cnf startup-config
2. Restart the switch.

# relaod no-dump-image -f

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

23

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

3. Stack Q&A
This chapter provides questions and answers about stack operation and maintenance.

3.1

Operation Q&A
Q1: Is it possible to distinguish whether a switch is a master or backup by appearance?
A1: From Ver.11.10, stack information is displayed on a switch panel. You can check switch status(master/backup) by LEDs for AX3800S series switches and by the system operation panel (SOP) for
AX3650S series switches.

 1.4 Checking the switch number of a master switch

Q2: How can I confirm the log information of a backup switch?
A2: It is possible to collect backup switch log information from the master switch. A log header has amaster or backup switch identifier, so it is possible to determine which type of switch the log
information is from.

Q3: Are there any operation commands available to switch from master to backup or vice versa?
A3: No dedicated operation command is available. However, it is possible to switch the master switch to
standby mode by restarting the master switch.

Q4: Is it always necessary to use a master switch to edit configurations and execute operation commands?
A4: Configurations can be edited only from a master switch. Operation commands can be executed froma backup switch by connecting the console to and logging into it.# However, in general, execute
them from a master switch. When a telnet connection is used, log into the master switch.
#: Some operation commands are not allowed to be executed from a backup switch.

 1.3 Configuration

3.2

Maintenance Q&A
Q1: Is it possible to replace a switch without using an operation command?
A1: The SD card-based command-free maintenance functionality is available. This functionality allows
you to replace a switch by inserting and removing an SD card for backup and restoration without
using an operation terminal.

 2.3.2 Command-free maintenance functionality-based procedure

Q2: On which switch is show tech-support to be executed?
A2: show tech-support needs to be executed on both a master and a backup switch.

 2.5 Fault Information Collection Procedures

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

24

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

4. Appendix
 Commands supporting the remote command
The following table lists the operation commands supporting the remote command.
Classification
Display-related

Operation-related

Copyright © 2012-2013,

Commandshow systemshow version
show licenseshow interfaces
show portshow switch
show environment
show channel-group statistics
show access-filter
show qos-flow
show qos queueing
show cpu
show processes
show sessions (who)show powershow mc
show flash
show memory
show dumpfile
show netstat
show logging
show logging console
ppupdate
activate
inactivate
format mc
set license
set exec-timeout
set terminal help
set terminal pager
set logging console
clear logging
clear counters
clear power
clear access-filter
clear qos-flow
clear qos queueing
clear netstat
clear tcp
clear control-counter
erase license
erase dumpfile
erase protocol-dump unicast
erase protocol-dump ipv4-multicast
restart link-aggregation
restart vlan
restart spanning-tree
restart ntp
restart gsrp
restart efmoam

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

25

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)

Maintenance-related

File operation-related

Copyright © 2012-2013,

restart loop-detection
restart ipv4-multicast
debug protocols unicast
no debug protocols unicast
killusershow tech-support
backuprestoredump stackdump protocols link-aggregation
dump protocols vlan
dump protocols spanning-tree
dump protocols gsrp
dump protocols efmoam
dump protocols loop-detection
dump protocols unicast
dump protocols ipv4-multicast
hexdump
ls
dir
cat
cp
mkdir
mv
rm
rmdir
deleteundeletesqueeze
diff
grep
tail
df
du

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

26

AX Series Stack Operation Guide (Operation and Maintenance) (Second Edition)<This page is intentionally left blank.>

Copyright © 2012-2013,

ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.

27

February 8, 2013 Edition 2
Document No. NTS-12-R-002
Network Technical Support
ALAXALA Networks Corporation
Shin-Kawasaki Mitsui Bldg. West Tower,
1-1-2 Kashimada, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi,
Kanagawa 212-0058, JAPANhttp://www.alaxala.com/en/