A multi-chassis router allows an administrator to distribute configuration data from a single user interface. Additionally, the multi-chassis router presents a software image consistent with that of a standalone router and uses configuration data syntax that is consistent with that of a standalone router. The multi-chassis router automatically distributes and validates relevant configuration data at each chassis within the multi-chassis router. In effect, an administrator does not need to account for the multiple chassis configuration, and an administrator familiar with the configuration data syntax for a standalone router can use that knowledge to configure the multi-chassis router.