16 EtherChannel

This chapter covers

  • How EtherChannel combines redundant links into a single logical link
  • Static and dynamic EtherChannel configuration
  • How traffic is load-balanced over the physical links of an EtherChannel
  • Using Layer 3 EtherChannel to provide redundant Layer 3 connections

In the previous two chapters on STP, we emphasized the essential role of STP in preventing Layer 2 loops in a LAN with redundant connections. However, the downside of STP is that all redundant links are disabled; they provide essential redundancy in a LAN but will only be used to forward traffic if an active link fails.

In this chapter, we will cover EtherChannel, a technology that helps to overcome this limitation by allowing multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link. As a result, STP and frame-forwarding logic will treat the group of links as a single unit, allowing the whole group of links to remain active without causing Layer 2 loops. This not only maximizes usage of the available bandwidth but also improves network resilience and simplifies management—advantages that we’ll delve into in this chapter. EtherChannel is CCNA exam topic 2.4: Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP).

16.1 How EtherChannel works

16.2 EtherChannel configuration

16.2.1 Dynamic EtherChannel

16.2.2 Static EtherChannel

16.2.3 Physical port configurations

16.3 EtherChannel load balancing

16.4 Layer 3 EtherChannel

Summary