Change Stack Member MAC Address (2960X)

[KenArcher]

I received three Catalyst 2960X switches several months back as spares and recently set them up to test horizontal stacking using the built in SFP+ ports. I had no issue setting up the master and adding one member but when adding  the third switch to the stack found it was contending for the master role with the previously elected master, even after giving the switch I wanted as master a higher priority. To add to the odd behavior the pre-existing member switch would reboot whenever the third switch was rebooted. After investigating the issue I noticed the first and third switch shared a burnt in MAC address, shown on both the label and the output of sh switch. Obviously, this is a mistake at the manufacturing level. Is it possible to change the MAC address burnt into the third switch to remove the conflict? So far everything I found indicates this can't be done but I'd like to verify that if possible.

[Deepak Kumar]

Hi, 

It is not believable and I also not agree with your comment " first and third switch shared a burnt in MAC address". I don't think Cisco will make this type of mistake. 

I am coming back to your configuration. As you mentioned that you have added the third switch recently. Can you confirm that what configuration was added to the third switch and existing stack before adding the third switch in the stack?

I hope there is some misconfiguration in renaming the third switch from number 1 to 3 and provisioning in the stack.  

Regards,

Deepak Kumar

[KenArcher]

I can appreciate the skepticism since the chances of identical MAC addresses occurring in two switches, let alone being shipped to the same customer, are extremely low but that's what happened. I've attached an image showing the unique serial numbers with identical MAC addresses. 

https://ibb.co/njBzhx

So the question remains is there anyway to change this address or is my only recourse to get a replacement switch?

[KenArcher · Accepted solution]

I received an RMA after the duplicate MAC address was confirmed and received my replacement switch today. After applying the same provisioning the new switch was added to the stack without issue. I'm assuming it's impossible to change the BIA since there was no attempt to do so and instead an instant RMA.