The premise
A switch out of the box already shows "stack behaviors and messages".
As indicated correctly by Reza Sharifi and Martin L, this is common behavior on stackable models. Basically they are always "stack-ready"
Device Details
Switch Ports Model SW Version SW Image Mode
------ ----- ----- ---------- ---------- ----
* 1 41 C9300-24S 17.03.05 CAT9K_IOSXE INSTALL
Switch#show switch
Switch/Stack Mac Address : aaaa.bbbb.cccc - Local Mac Address
Mac persistency wait time: Indefinite
H/W Current
Switch# Role Mac Address Priority Version State
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*1 Active aaaa.bbbb.cccc 1 V01 Ready
Behavior
At reload:
Switch#reload
Reload command is being issued on Active unit, this will reload the whole stack
Proceed with reload? [confirm]
During boot:
Both links down, not waiting for other switches
Switch number is 1
Showing an ever resilient/persistent "provision" statement in the running configuration?
NOTE: This "provision" line remains persistent throughout physical removal from a stack, wiping, power-cycling, etc.
Switch#show run | include provision
switch 1 provision c9300-24s
Attempting to remove the provision from the switch itself does not work.
Switch(config)#no switch 1 provision
Error: A switch is already physically present at this location
Switch(config)#no switch 1 provision c9300-24s
Error: A switch is already physically present at this location
Conclusion
Stackable models like 3850s, 9300s, etc. are stack-ready out of the box and display some of these stack behaviors, even if working as a standalone switch.
