Installation guide

BlackDiamond 20808 Switch Modules
BlackDiamond 20808 Switch Hardware Installation Guide
18
Redundant Management Module Activity
The BlackDiamond 20808 switch can operate with a single management module installed, providing full
bandwidth with this single management module. When you install a second management module, one
of the management modules operates as the primary, and the other becomes the secondary or backup.
The primary management module is responsible for upper-layer protocol processing and system
management functions. The management modules in the BlackDiamond 20808 switch are not load
sharing. One management module handles packets while the other is idle.
When you save the switch configuration, it is saved to all management modules.
Selection of the primary management module occurs automatically. The following examples describe
the selection process:
● When a BlackDiamond 20808 switch boots with two management modules installed, the
management module in slot A becomes the primary.
If a switch is operating with one management module and a second management module is added
to the switch after it has been powered up, the added management module becomes the secondary.
Management modules that operate as secondary, or backup, management modules can be inserted
and removed without disrupting network services.
● If you remove the primary management module while the switch is operating, the secondary
management module performs a soft reset and then becomes the primary management module.
For example, if you have a BlackDiamond 20808 switch with a primary management module in
slot A and a secondary management module in slot B, and you remove the primary management
module from slot A, the secondary, or backup, management module in slot B becomes the primary.
Features of the Management Module
Figure 3 shows the front panel of the BlackDiamond management module.