ZyXEL Communications ZyXEL Dimension ES-2024 - Manual (Page 99)

Dimension ES-2024 Ethernet Switch
Link Aggregation 14-1
Chapter 14
Link Aggregation
This chapter shows you how to logically aggregate physical links to form one logical, higher-bandwidth
link.
14.1 Introduction to Link Aggregation
Link aggregation (trunking) is the grouping of physical ports into one logical higher-capacity link. You may want
to aggregate ports if for example, it is cheaper to use multiple lower-speed links than to under-utilize a high-speed,
but more costly, single-port link.
However, the more ports you aggregate then the fewer available ports you have. A link aggregation group is one
logical link containing multiple ports.
A link aggregation group can have up to four member ports.
14.1.1 Dynamic Link Aggregation
The ES-2024 adheres to the 802.3ad standard for static and dynamic (LACP) port aggregation.
The ES-2024 supports the link aggregation IEEE802.3ad standard. This standard describes the Link Aggregate
Control Protocol (LACP), which is a protocol that dynamically creates and manages link aggregation groups.
When you enable LACP link aggregation on a port, the port can automatically negotiate with the ports at the
remote end of a link to establish link aggregation groups. LACP also allows port redundancy, that is, if an
operational port fails, then one of the “standby” ports become operational without user intervention
Please note that:
You must connect all ports point-to-point to the same Ethernet switch and configure the ports for LACP
aggregation.
LACP only works on full-duplex links.
All ports in the same link aggregation group must have the same media type, speed, duplex mode and
flow control settings.
Configure link aggregation groups or LACP before you connect the Ethernet switch to avoid causing network
topology loops.
14.1.2 Link Aggregation ID
LACP aggregation ID consists of the following information: