Learn Linux CCNA CEH IPv6 Cyber-Security Online

First we need to understand what is Etherchannel and why we use it.Actually this is a technique in which we combine two physical interface(ethernet ports) of cisco switch and use them as one single logical  interface(port).

In this way we can combine bandwidth of  multiple ports.It also provides redundancy because if any port fails then still there is no connection loss.One port fails other port will still active and will provide communication and hence provide redundancy.

ETHERCHANNEL is actualy a port link aggregation technology or in other word you can say ETHERCHANNEL is a port-channel architecture in which you can see a bundle of multiple physical links working as a single logical link.

 

You can Also Read:

How to Configure Ether Channel Using LACP.

How to Configure EtherChannel using PAgP.

If we combine fa0/3 and fa0/4 interfaces each providing bandwidth of 100Mbs.

The total bandwidth of logical port will be 200Mbs.

 This is what we call Link Aggregation.

Etherchannel technique is known as NIC Teaming in Windows and Ethernet Bridging in Linux.

Now I am going to configure Ether channel and for this we need atleast two ethernet ports.

Ether channel Configuration on switch0 :

Switch>enable

Switch#configure terminal

Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.

Switch(config)#host switch0

switch0(config)#int range fa0/3-4

switch0(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode on

switch0(config-if-range)#exit

switch0(config)#interface port-channel 1

switch0(config-if)#switchport mode trunk

ether channel configuration on switch1:

 

Switch>enable

Switch#configure terminal

Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.

Switch(config)#host switch1

switch1(config)#int range fa0/3-4




switch1(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode on

switch1(config-if-range)#exit

switch1(config)#interface port-channel 1

switch1(config-if)#switchport mode trunk

Check ether channel configuration;

switch1#show etherchannel summary

Flags: D - down P - in port-channel

I - stand-alone s - suspended

H - Hot-standby (LACP only)

R - Layer3 S - Layer2

U - in use f - failed to allocate aggregator

u - unsuitable for bundling

w - waiting to be aggregated

d - default port

Number of channel-groups in use: 1

Number of aggregators: 1

Group Port-channel Protocol Ports

------+-------------+-----------+----------------------------------------------

1 Po1(SU) - Fa0/3(P) Fa0/4(P)