Allied Telesis AT-S63 - Manual (Page 75)

AT-S63 Management Software Features Guide
Section I: Basic Operations 75
Stack Configuration Files
The parameter settings of a stack are stored in the active configuration file
in the master switch’s file system. The master switch restores the
parameter settings in the file to the switches whenever the stack performs
the discovery process, such as when you reset or power cycle the stack,
or add or remove a switch.
The master switch does not automatically update the active configuration
file when you change a parameter setting on a stack device. Instead, you
initiate the update with the SAVE CONFIGURATION command. In
response, the master switch polls all of the devices in the stack for their
current settings and updates the active configuration file. Since changes to
the parameter settings that are not saved to the configuration file are
discarded whenever the stack is reset or powered off, you should perform
the SAVE CONFIGURATION command after configuring the devices if
you want the stack to permanently retain your changes.
A backup copy of the master switch’s active configuration file is stored in
the file system in the switch assigned module ID 2. The backup
configuration file is updated whenever the SAVE CONFIGURATION
command is issued, and so is an exact duplicate of the active
configuration file on the master switch.
Under normal operating conditions, the backup configuration file remains
inactive. However, if the master switch stops operating or is removed from
the stack, the switch assigned module ID 2 assumes the role of the master
switch during the subsequent discovery process and configures the stack
devices with its backup copy of the configuration file. If the original master
switch resumes operations, it reassumes the master switch role after the
discovery process and configures the stack with the active configuration
file in its file system. The configuration file on the switch assigned module
ID 2 reverts to its backup status.
The AT-9424Ts, AT-9424Ts/XP and AT-9448Ts/XP Switches have
different configuration files for stand-alone and stack operations. The
default files are BOOT.CFG for stand-alone operation and STACK.CFG
for stack operation. The switches choose the appropriate file during the
discovery process based on their stack ID numbers.
When a switch initializes its management software, such as when you
power it on or reset it, it performs the discovery process and then checks
its stack ID number. Here are the possibilities:
 If the number is set to AUTO, meaning automatic, the switch assumes
that it is a stand-alone switch and uses the BOOT.CFG file, or
whatever stand-alone file you’ve designated. This is the default setting
for the switches.