Brocade BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide - Manual (Page 95)

BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide 17
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Chapter
2
Using a Redundant Management Module
In this chapter
• How management module redundancy works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• Management module redundancy configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
• Managing management module redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
• Monitoring management module redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• Flash memory and PCMCIA flash card file management commands . . . . . 28
How management module redundancy works
You can install a redundant management module in slot M1 or M2 of the BigIron RX Series devices.
By default, the system considers the module installed in slot M1 to be the active management
module and the module installed in slot M2 to be the redundant or standby module. If the active
module becomes unavailable, the standby module automatically takes over management of the
system.
This chapter describes the redundant management module, how it works with the active module,
and how to configure and manage it.
This section explains the following:
• How management module redundancy works under normal operating conditions.
• Events that cause a standby management module to assume the role of the active module and
how the switchover occurs as a result of each event.
• Implications that you should be aware of if a switchover occurs.
Management module redundancy overview
When you power on or reload a BigIron RX Series device with two management modules installed,
by default, the management module installed in slot M1 becomes the active module and the
module installed in slot M2 becomes the standby module. (You can change the default active slot
from M1 to M2 using the active-management command. For information about performing this
task, refer to
“Changing the default active slot” on page 21.)
After the active and standby modules are determined, both modules boot from the source specified
for the active module. The active management module can boot from the following sources:
• The active management module’s flash memory.
• A PCMCIA flash card inserted in one of the PCMCIA slots in the active management module’s
front panel.