7 Link Aggregation Explained
Key Concepts of Link Aggregation
Link Aggregation, also known as EtherChannel or Bonding, is a method used to combine multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link. Key concepts include:
- Link Aggregation Group (LAG): A group of physical links treated as a single logical link.
- Load Balancing: Distributing traffic across multiple links to optimize bandwidth utilization.
- Redundancy: Providing failover capabilities to ensure network continuity in case of a link failure.
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP): A protocol used to negotiate and manage link aggregation between network devices.
- Static Link Aggregation: Manually configuring link aggregation without using LACP.
Link Aggregation Group (LAG)
A Link Aggregation Group (LAG) is a collection of physical Ethernet links configured to work together as a single logical link. LAGs increase bandwidth and provide redundancy by combining multiple links into one.
Example: In a network with four 1 Gbps links, creating a LAG allows these links to be treated as a single 4 Gbps link. This increases the total available bandwidth and ensures that traffic can be distributed across all four links.
Load Balancing
Load Balancing in Link Aggregation involves distributing network traffic across multiple links to optimize bandwidth utilization. Different algorithms can be used to determine how traffic is distributed, such as source MAC address, destination MAC address, or IP address.
Example: In a network with a LAG consisting of two 1 Gbps links, traffic can be distributed based on the source IP address. This ensures that different devices' traffic is spread across both links, maximizing the use of available bandwidth.
Redundancy
Redundancy in Link Aggregation provides failover capabilities, ensuring network continuity in the event of a link failure. If one link in the LAG fails, traffic is automatically rerouted through the remaining links, minimizing downtime.
Example: In a network with a LAG of three 1 Gbps links, if one link fails, the remaining two links continue to carry the traffic. This ensures that the network remains operational without interruption.
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a standardized protocol used to negotiate and manage link aggregation between network devices. LACP allows devices to dynamically form and maintain LAGs, ensuring that all links in the group are operational and properly configured.
Example: When configuring a LAG between two MikroTik switches, enabling LACP allows the switches to automatically detect and configure the links as a single logical link. This ensures that the LAG is properly formed and maintained without manual intervention.
Static Link Aggregation
Static Link Aggregation involves manually configuring link aggregation without using LACP. This method requires manual configuration on both ends of the link and does not provide dynamic link management or negotiation.
Example: In a network where LACP is not supported, static link aggregation can be configured by manually grouping the links on both switches. This method requires careful configuration to ensure that the links are properly aggregated and operational.