Replacing a Member Switch of a Virtual Chassis Configuration (CLI Procedure)
You can replace a member switch of a Virtual Chassis configuration without disrupting network service for the other members. You can retain the existing configuration of the member switch and apply it to a new member switch, or you can free up the member ID and make it available for assignment to a new member switch.
To replace a member switch, use the procedure that matches what you need to accomplish:
- Remove, Repair, and Reinstall the Same Switch
- Remove a Member Switch, Replace with a Different Switch, and Reapply the Old Configuration
- Remove a Member Switch and Make Its Member ID Available for Reassignment to a Different Switch
Remove, Repair, and Reinstall the Same Switch
If you need to repair a member switch, you can remove it from the Virtual Chassis configuration without disrupting network service for the other members. The master stores the configuration of the member ID so that it can be reapplied when the member switch (with the same base MAC address) is reconnected.
- Power off and disconnect the member switch to be repaired.
- Repair, as necessary.
- Reconnect and power on the member switch.
Remove a Member Switch, Replace with a Different Switch, and Reapply the Old Configuration
If you are unable to repair a member switch, you can replace it with a different member switch and retain the old configuration. The master stores the configuration of the member that was removed. When you connect a different member switch, the master assigns a new member ID. But the old configuration is still stored under the previous member ID of the previous member switch.
![]() |
Note: If you have used a preprovisioned configuration, use the replace command to change the serial number in the Virtual Chassis configuration file. Substitute the serial number of the replacement member switch (on the back of the switch) for the serial number of the member switch that was removed. |
- Power off and disconnect the member switch to be replaced.
- If the replacement member switch has been previously configured, revert that switch’s configuration to the factory defaults. See Reverting to the Default Factory Configuration for the EX-series Switch.
- Connect and power on the replacement member switch.
- Note the member ID displayed on the front panel.
- Issue the request virtual-chassis renumber command from the Virtual Chassis master to change the member switch’s current member ID to the member ID that belonged to the member switch that was removed from the Virtual Chassis configuration).
Remove a Member Switch and Make Its Member ID Available for Reassignment to a Different Switch
When you remove a member switch from the Virtual Chassis configuration, the master keeps its member ID on reserve. To make that member switch’s member ID available for reassignment, issue the request virtual-chassis recycle command from the Virtual Chassis master.
![]() |
Note: When you add or delete members in a Virtual Chassis configuration, internal routing changes might cause temporary traffic loss for a few seconds. |

