Replace 5530 base switch

[DAVO]

Have a stack of 3 x 5530 running S/W 5xxx_61028. Base unit has intermittent reload issues so although I know this could have any number of causes am planning on swapping the switch first.
Due to very limited downtime, need to make sure as far as possible there are no hitches so as long as new switch is factory defaulted, loaded with correct image and modified advanced routing license am I right in thinking that I can just replace the base switch and as long as other 2 are left powered up, they will hold the config and restore to the base when swap out complete ? and will new switch automatically return to its base role ?
Is there a safer and more tried and tested way of doing it ? Can I preload the whole config on to the new switch before replacing or will it not accept as only a standalone .?

Your expert views greatly appreciated !!

[TankII]

1)  Get off of 6.1.0. and get to 6.2.X.  6.1.1 at a minimum!
2)  Research Auto Unit Replacement.  This will send the config info to the replacement unit.

Ethernet Routing Switch 5500 Series
Troubleshooting
NN47200-700 01.01 Standard
1 April 2008

Also available on 460/470 code versions 3.4 and up.


Dave R.

[Michael McNamara]

Hi Davo,

We've covered this topic both here and on my blog on a few occasions now;

http://forums.networkinfrastructure.info/nortel-ethernet-switching/replacing-a-base-unit-on-a-stack-of-ers5520s/
http://blog.michaelfmcnamara.com/2008/07/ethernet-routing-switch-5500-stack-troubleshooting/#comment-730

You should have an ASCII and BINARY backup before you start anything. AUR can be a hit or miss feature so you need to make sure you are prepared in case you need to put the pieces back together again.

I would not advise an upgrade to 6.2.x at this time unless there's a feature you need or bug that is resolved in that release.

Good Luck!

[telecom116]

The suggestion to stay on 6.1.x is a good one for your 55xx platforms. Version 6.1.4 has been very good in our network and am currently upgrading our infrastructure to 6.1.7 with no issues.  We run Advanced Routing Licenses on about 15 of our 5520 switches and have some that have been up 400 days with no issues.

I am testing 6.2.3 on a couple of 5520 switches, because they originally came with 6.2.0.

Stay away from 6.1.6 (personal experience)!

As Michael says, AUR can be hit - or really miss.  My best experiences adding to or replacing a switch in an existing stack is to manually, on your test bench, match the new unit's diag and image code versions to those in your current stack.  Once this is done I have not had any issues adding or replacing a single switch in a stack.