Static and dynamic (lacp) link aggregation, Static channel groups, Dynamic (lacp) channel groups – Allied Telesis AlliedWare Plus Operating System Version 5.4.4C (x310-26FT,x310-26FP,x310-50FT,x310-50FP) User Manual
Page 559: Link aggregation control protocol (lacp), Static and, Dynamic (lacp) link aggregation
Link Aggregation Introduction and Configuration
Software Reference for x310 Series Switches
C613-50046-01 REV A
AlliedWare Plus
TM
Operating System - Version 5.4.4C
20.3
Static and Dynamic (LACP) Link
Aggregation
Channels, either static or dynamic LACP, increase reliability by distributing the data path
over more than one physical link. Channels must be configured on both ends of a link or
network loops may result. Ports in a channel group need not be contiguous. A mirror port
cannot be a member of either a static or a dynamic channel group.
Aggregation
criteria
For individual links to be aggregated into a channel group they must:
■
originate on the same device or stack
■
terminate on the same device or stack
■
be members of the same VLANs (
■
have the same data rate (
)
■
share the same admin port key (assigned by using the
command)
■
be operating in full duplex mode (
)
The hardware must also be capable and have the capacity to handle the number of links
to be aggregated.
Static Channel Groups
A static channel group, also known as a static aggregator, enables a number of ports to be
manually configured to form a single logical connection of higher bandwidth. By using
static channel groups you increase channel reliability by distributing the data path over
more than one physical link. Static channel groups are best used in simpler environments,
usually where neighbor switches are close together, situated within the same rack, so that
you can easily ensure that the correct statically aggregated ports are connected together.
For a static channel group configuration example see the
section in this chapter. For details of static channel group commands, such as the
command, see
Chapter 21, Link Aggregation Commands
Dynamic (LACP) Channel Groups
A LACP channel group, also known as an etherchannel, a LACP aggregator, or a dynamic
channel group, enables a number of ports to be dynamically combined to form a single
higher bandwidth logical connection. LACP channel groups are best used for complex
environments, typically long-distance links, to detect failure between neighbor switches.
For LACP configuration examples see
Configuring an LACP Channel Group
and
sections in this chapter. For details of LACP channel group
commands, such as the
command, see
.
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
LACP is based on the IEEE Standard 802.3ad. It allows bundling of several physical ports to
form a single logical channel providing enhanced performance and resiliency. The
aggregated channel is viewed as a single link by each switch. Spanning tree also views the
channel as one interface and not as multiple interfaces. When there is a failure in one
physical port, the other ports stay up and there is no disruption.