6 - EtherChannel

6.0 – Introduction

6.0.1 Why should I take this module?

Welcome to EtherChannel!

Your network design includes redundant switches and links. You have some version of STP configured to
prevent Layer 2 loops. But now, like most network administrators, you realize that you could use more
bandwidth and redundancy in your network. Not to worry, EtherChannel is here to help! EtherChannel
aggregates links between devices into bundles. These bundles include redundant links. STP may block
one of those links, but it will not block all of them. With EtherChannel your network can have
redundancy, loop prevention, and increased bandwidth!

There are two protocols, PAgP and LACP. This module explains them both and also shows you how to
configure, verify and troubleshoot them! A Syntax Checker and two Packet Tracer activities help you to
better understand these protocols. What are you waiting for?

6.0.2 What will I learn to do in this module?

Module Title: EtherChannel

Module Objective: Troubleshoot EtherChannel on switched links.

Topic Title Topic Objective

EtherChannel Operation Describe EtherChannel technology.
Configure EtherChannel Configure EtherChannel.
Verify and Troubleshoot EtherChannel Troubleshoot EtherChannel.

6.1 - EtherChannel Operation

6.1.1 Link Aggregation

There are scenarios in which more bandwidth or redundancy between devices is needed than what can
be provided by a single link. Multiple links could be connected between devices to increase bandwidth.
However, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is enabled on Layer 2 devices like Cisco switches by
default, will block redundant links to prevent switching loops, as shown in the figure.

A link aggregation technology is needed that allows redundant links between devices that will not be
blocked by STP. That technology is known as EtherChannel.

EtherChannel is a link aggregation technology that groups multiple physical Ethernet links together into
one single logical link. It is used to provide fault-tolerance, load sharing, increased bandwidth, and
redundancy between switches, routers, and servers.
EtherChannel technology makes it possible to combine the number of physical links between the
switches to increase the overall speed of switch-to-switch communication

By default, STP will block redundant links.

6.1.2 EtherChannel

EtherChannel technology was originally developed by Cisco as a LAN switch-to-switch technique of

grouping several Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet ports into one logical channel. When an EtherChannel
is configured, the resulting virtual interface is called a port channel. The physical interfaces are bundled
together into a port channel interface, as shown in the figure.

6.1.3 Advantages of EtherChannel

EtherChannel technology has many advantages, including the following:

Most configuration tasks can be done on the EtherChannel interface instead of on each individual port,
ensuring configuration consistency throughout the links.

EtherChannel relies on existing switch ports. There is no need to upgrade the link to a faster and more
expensive connection to have more bandwidth.

Load balancing takes place between links that are part of the same EtherChannel. Depending on the
hardware platform, one or more load-balancing methods can be implemented. These methods include
source MAC to destination MAC load balancing, or source IP to destination IP load balancing, across the
physical links.

EtherChannel creates an aggregation that is seen as one logical link. When several EtherChannel bundles
exist between two switches, STP may block one of the bundles to prevent switching loops. When STP
blocks one of the redundant links, it blocks the entire EtherChannel. This blocks all the ports belonging
to that EtherChannel link. Where there is only one EtherChannel link, all physical links in the
EtherChannel are active because STP sees only one (logical) link.

EtherChannel provides redundancy because the overall link is seen as one logical connection.
Additionally, the loss of one physical link within the channel does not create a change in the topology.
Therefore, a spanning tree recalculation is not required. Assuming at least one physical link is present;
the EtherChannel remains functional, even if its overall throughput decreases because of a lost link
within the EtherChannel.

6.1.4 Implementation Restrictions

EtherChannel has certain implementation restrictions, including the following:

Interface types cannot be mixed. For example, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet cannot be mixed
within a single EtherChannel.

Currently each EtherChannel can consist of up to eight compatibly-configured Ethernet ports.

EtherChannel provides full-duplex bandwidth up to 800 Mbps (Fast EtherChannel) or 8 Gbps (Gigabit
EtherChannel) between one switch and another switch or host.

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Layer 2 switch currently supports up to six EtherChannels. However, as new IOSs
are developed and platforms change, some cards and platforms may support increased numbers of
ports within an EtherChannel link, as well as support an increased number of Gigabit EtherChannels.

The individual EtherChannel group member port configuration must be consistent on both devices. If
the physical ports of one side are configured as trunks, the physical ports of the other side must also be
configured as trunks within the same native VLAN. Additionally, all ports in each EtherChannel link must
be configured as Layer 2 ports.

Each EtherChannel has a logical port channel interface, as shown in the figure. A configuration applied to
the port channel interface affects all physical interfaces that are assigned to that interface.
6.1.5 AutoNegotiation Protocols

EtherChannels can be formed through negotiation using one of two protocols, Port Aggregation Protocol
(PAgP) or Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). These protocols allow ports with similar
characteristics to form a channel through dynamic negotiation with adjoining switches.

Note: It is also possible to configure a static or unconditional EtherChannel without PAgP or LACP.

6.1.6 PAgP Operation

PAgP (pronounced “Pag - P”) is a Cisco-proprietary protocol that aids in the automatic creation of
EtherChannel links. When an EtherChannel link is configured using PAgP, PAgP packets are sent between
EtherChannel-capable ports to negotiate the forming of a channel. When PAgP identifies matched
Ethernet links, it groups the links into an EtherChannel. The EtherChannel is then added to the spanning
tree as a single port.

When enabled, PAgP also manages the EtherChannel. PAgP packets are sent every 30 seconds. PAgP
checks for configuration consistency and manages link additions and failures between two switches. It
ensures that when an EtherChannel is created, all ports have the same type of configuration.

Note: In EtherChannel, it is mandatory that all ports have the same speed, duplex setting, and VLAN
information. Any port modification after the creation of the channel also changes all other channel
ports.

PAgP helps create the EtherChannel link by detecting the configuration of each side and ensuring that
links are compatible so that the EtherChannel link can be enabled when needed. The modes for PAgP as
follows:
On - This mode forces the interface to channel without PAgP. Interfaces configured in the on mode do
not exchange PAgP packets.

PAgP desirable - This PAgP mode places an interface in an active negotiating state in which the interface
initiates negotiations with other interfaces by sending PAgP packets.

PAgP auto - This PAgP mode places an interface in a passive negotiating state in which the interface
responds to the PAgP packets that it receives but does not initiate PAgP negotiation.

The modes must be compatible on each side. If one side is configured to be in auto mode, it is placed in
a passive state, waiting for the other side to initiate the EtherChannel negotiation. If the other side is
also set to auto, the negotiation never starts and the EtherChannel does not form. If all modes are
disabled by using the no command, or if no mode is configured, then the EtherChannel is disabled.

The on mode manually places the interface in an EtherChannel, without any negotiation. It works only if
the other side is also set to on. If the other side is set to negotiate parameters through PAgP, no
EtherChannel forms, because the side that is set to on mode does not negotiate.

No negotiation between the two switches means there is no checking to make sure that all the links in
the EtherChannel are terminating on the other side, or that there is PAgP compatibility on the other
switch.

6.1.7 PAgP Mode Settings Example

Consider the two switches in the figure. Whether S1 and S2 establish an EtherChannel using PAgP
depends on the mode settings on each side of the channel.

The table shows the various combination of PAgP modes on S1 and S2 and the resulting channel
establishment outcome.

PAgP Modes

S1 S2 Channel Establishment
On On Yes
On Desirable/Auto No
Desirable Desirable Yes
Desirable Auto Yes
S1 S2 Channel Establishment
Auto Desirable Yes
Auto Auto No

6.1.8 LACP Operation

LACP is part of an IEEE specification (802.3ad) that allows several physical ports to be bundled to form a
single logical channel. LACP allows a switch to negotiate an automatic bundle by sending LACP packets
to the other switch. It performs a function similar to PAgP with Cisco EtherChannel. Because LACP is an
IEEE standard, it can be used to facilitate EtherChannels in multivendor environments. On Cisco devices,
both protocols are supported.

Note: LACP was originally defined as IEEE 802.3ad. However, LACP is now defined in the newer IEEE
802.1AX standard for local and metropolitan area networks.

LACP provides the same negotiation benefits as PAgP. LACP helps create the EtherChannel link by
detecting the configuration of each side and making sure that they are compatible so that the
EtherChannel link can be enabled when needed. The modes for LACP are as follows:

On - This mode forces the interface to channel without LACP. Interfaces configured in the on mode do
not exchange LACP packets.

LACP active - This LACP mode places a port in an active negotiating state. In this state, the port initiates
negotiations with other ports by sending LACP packets.

LACP passive - This LACP mode places a port in a passive negotiating state. In this state, the port
responds to the LACP packets that it receives but does not initiate LACP packet negotiation.

Just as with PAgP, modes must be compatible on both sides for the EtherChannel link to form. The on
mode is repeated, because it creates the EtherChannel configuration unconditionally, without PAgP or
LACP dynamic negotiation.

LACP allows for eight active links, and also eight standby links. A standby link will become active should
one of the current active links fail.

6.1.9 LACP Mode Settings Example

Consider the two switches in the figure. Whether S1 and S2 establish an EtherChannel using LACP
depends on the mode settings on each side of the channel.
The table shows the various combination of LACP modes on S1 and S2 and the resulting channel
establishment outcome.

LACP Modes

S1 S2 Channel Establishment
On On Yes
On Active/Passive No
Active Active Yes
Active Passive Yes
Passive Active Yes
Passive Passive No

6.1.10 Check Your Understanding - EtherChannel Operation

Which are benefits of EtherChannel technology? (Choose all that apply.)

True or False? FastEthernet and GigabitEthernet links can be combined into a single EtherChannel.

True or False? PAgP and LACP are both Cisco-proprietary link aggregation protocols.

Which three are PAgP interface modes? (Choose three.)

Which PAgP interface mode will initiate negotiation with other interfaces?

Which combinations of PAgP modes will form an EtherChannel? (Choose all that apply.)

6.2 - Configure EtherChannel

6.2.1 Configuration Guidelines

Now that you know what EtherChannel is, this topic explains how to configure it. The following
guidelines and restrictions are useful for configuring EtherChannel:

EtherChannel support - All Ethernet interfaces must support EtherChannel with no requirement that
interfaces be physically contiguous.

Speed and duplex - Configure all interfaces in an EtherChannel to operate at the same speed and in the
same duplex mode.

VLAN match - All interfaces in the EtherChannel bundle must be assigned to the same VLAN or be
configured as a trunk (shown in the figure).

Range of VLANs - An EtherChannel supports the same allowed range of VLANs on all the interfaces in a
trunking EtherChannel. If the allowed range of VLANs is not the same, the interfaces do not form an
EtherChannel, even when they are set to auto or desirable mode.

The figure shows a configuration that would allow an EtherChannel to form between S1 and S2.
An EtherChannel is formed when configuration settings match on both switches.

In the next figure, S1 ports are configured as half duplex. Therefore, an EtherChannel will not form
between S1 and S2.

An EtherChannel is not formed when configuration settings are different on each switch.

If these settings must be changed, configure them in port channel interface configuration mode. Any
configuration that is applied to the port channel interface also affects individual interfaces. However,
configurations that are applied to the individual interfaces do not affect the port channel interface.
Therefore, making configuration changes to an interface that is part of an EtherChannel link may cause
interface compatibility issues.

The port channel can be configured in access mode, trunk mode (most common), or on a routed port.

6.2.2 LACP Configuration Example

EtherChannel is disabled by default and must be configured. The topology in the figure will be used to
demonstrate an EtherChannel configuration example using LACP.
Configuring EtherChannel with LACP requires the following three steps:

Step 1. Specify the interfaces that compose the EtherChannel group using the interface range interface
global configuration mode command. The range keyword allows you to select several interfaces and
configure them all together.

Step 2. Create the port channel interface with the channel-group identifier mode active command in
interface range configuration mode. The identifier specifies a channel group number. The mode active
keywords identify this as an LACP EtherChannel configuration.

Step 3. To change Layer 2 settings on the port channel interface, enter port channel interface
configuration mode using the interface port-channel command, followed by the interface identifier. In
the example, S1 is configured with an LACP EtherChannel. The port channel is configured as a trunk
interface with the allowed VLANs specified.

S1(config)# interface range FastEthernet 0/1 - 2

S1(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode active
Creating a port-channel interface Port-channel 1
S1(config-if-range)# exit
S1(config-if)# interface port-channel 1
S1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
S1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20

6.2.3 Syntax Checker - Configure EtherChannel

Configure the EtherChannel for S2 based on the specified requirements

Enter interface range mode for FastEthernet0/1 and FastEthernet0/2. Use fa 0/1 - 2 as the interface
designation.

S1(config)#interface range fa 0/1 - 2

Use context sensitive help (?) to display the options for the channel-group command.

S1(config-if-range)#channel-group ?
<1-6> Channel group number
Select channel-group 1 and display the next option.

S1(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 ?
mode Etherchannel Mode of the interface
Enter the mode keyword and display the next set of options.

S1(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode ?
active Enable LACP unconditionally
auto Enable PAgP only if a PAgP device is detected
desirable Enable PAgP unconditionally
on Enable Etherchannel only
passive Enable LACP only if a LACP device is detected
Configure the channel-group to use LACP unconditionally.

S1(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode active

\*Mar 21 00:02:28.184: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1,
changed state
to down
\*Mar 21 00:02:28.193: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/2,
changed state
to down
\*Mar 21 00:02:36.179: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1,
changed state
to up
\*Mar 21 00:02:36.674: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/2,
changed state
to up
S1(config-if-range)#
\*Mar 21 00:04:31.170: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1,
changed state
to down
\*Mar 21 00:04:31.186: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/2,
changed state
to down
\*Mar 21 00:04:33.116: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1,
changed state
to up
\*Mar 21 00:04:34.114: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface Port-channel1, changed state to up
\*Mar 21 00:04:35.037: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/2,
changed state
to up
\*Mar 21 00:04:35.121: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Port-channel1, changed
state to
up
Configure the switchport settings for the port-channel that was created:

Enter interface configuration mode for port-channel 1

Configure port-channel 1 as a trunk
Allow VLANS 1,2,20 to cross the trunk link. Enter the VLANs as shown with no spaces.
S1(config-if-range)#interface port-channel 1
S1(config-if)#switchport mode trunk
S1(config-if)#switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
You have successfully configured EtherChannel.
6.2.4 Packet Tracer - Configure EtherChannel

Three switches have just been installed. There are redundant uplinks between the switches. As
configured, only one of these links can be used; otherwise, a bridging loop might occur. However, using
only one link utilizes only half of the available bandwidth. EtherChannel allows up to eight redundant
links to be bundled together into one logical link. In this lab, you will configure Port Aggregation Protocol
(PAgP), a Cisco EtherChannel protocol, and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), an IEEE 802.3ad
open standard version of EtherChannel.

6.3 - Verify and Troubleshoot EtherChannel

6.3.1 Verify EtherChannel

As always, when you configure devices in your network, you must verify your configuration. If there are
problems, you will also need to be able to troubleshoot and fix them. This topic gives you the commands
to verify, as well as some common EtherChannel network problems and their solutions.

The verification command examples will use the topology shown in the figure.

There are a number of commands to verify an EtherChannel configuration. Click each button to for an
explanation and command output.

The show interfaces port-channel command displays the general status of the port channel interface. In
the figure, the Port Channel 1 interface is up.

S1# show interfaces port-channel 1

Port-channel1 is up, line protocol is up (connected)
Hardware is EtherChannel, address is c07b.bcc4.a981 (bia c07b.bcc4.a981)
MTU 1500 bytes, BW 200000 Kbit/sec, DLY 100 usec,
reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255
(output omitted)

When several port channel interfaces are configured on the same device, use the show etherchannel
summary command to display one line of information per port channel. In the output, the switch has
one EtherChannel configured; group 1 uses LACP.

The interface bundle consists of the FastEthernet0/1 and FastEthernet0/2 interfaces. The group is a
Layer 2 EtherChannel and it is in use, as indicated by the letters SU next to the port channel number.

S1# show etherchannel summary

Flags: D - down P - bundled in port-channel
I - stand-alone s - suspended
H - Hot-standby (LACP only)
R - Layer3 S - Layer2
 U - in use N - not in use, no aggregation
f - failed to allocate aggregator
M - not in use, minimum links not met
m - not in use, port not aggregated due to minimum links not met
u - unsuitable for bundling
w - waiting to be aggregated
d - default port
A - formed by Auto LAG
Number of channel-groups in use: 1
Number of aggregators: 1
Group Port-channel Protocol Ports
------+-------------+-----------+-----------------------------------------------
1 Po1(SU) LACP Fa0/1(P) Fa0/2(P)

Use the show etherchannel port-channel command to display information about a specific port channel
interface, as shown in the output. In the example, the Port Channel 1 interface consists of two physical
interfaces, FastEthernet0/1 and FastEthernet0/2. It uses LACP in active mode. It is properly connected to
another switch with a compatible configuration, which is why the port channel is said to be in use.

S1# show etherchannel port-channel

Channel-group listing:
----------------------
Group: 1
----------
Port-channels in the group:
---------------------------
Port-channel: Po1 (Primary Aggregator)
------------
Age of the Port-channel = 0d:01h:02m:10s
Logical slot/port = 2/1 Number of ports = 2
HotStandBy port = null
Port state = Port-channel Ag-Inuse
Protocol = LACP
Port security = Disabled
Load share deferral = Disabled
Ports in the Port-channel:
Index Load Port EC state No of bits
------+------+------+------------------+-----------
0 00 Fa0/1 Active 0
0 00 Fa0/2 Active 0
Time since last port bundled: 0d:00h:09m:30s Fa0/2

On any physical interface member of an EtherChannel bundle, the show interfaces etherchannel
command can provide information about the role of the interface in the EtherChannel, as shown in the
output. The interface FastEthernet0/1 is part of the EtherChannel bundle 1. The protocol for this
EtherChannel is LACP.
 S1# show interfaces f0/1 etherchannel
Port state = Up Mstr Assoc In-Bndl
Channel group = 1 Mode = Active Gcchange = -
Port-channel = Po1 GC = - Pseudo port-channel = Po1
Port index = 0 Load = 0x00 Protocol = LACP
Flags: S - Device is sending Slow LACPDUs F - Device is sending fast LACPDUs.
A - Device is in active mode. P - Device is in passive mode.
Local information:
LACP port Admin Oper Port
Port Flags State Priority Key Number State
Fa0/1 SA bndl 32768 0x1 0x1 0x102 0x3D
Partner's information:
LACP port Admin Oper Port Port
Port Flags Priority Dev ID Age key Key Number State
Fa0/1 SA 32768 c025.5cd7.ef00 12s 0x0 0x1 0x102 0x3Dof the port in the current state:
0d:00h:11m:51sllowed vlan 1,2,20

6.3.2 Common Issues with EtherChannel Configurations

All interfaces within an EtherChannel must have the same configuration of speed and duplex mode,
native and allowed VLANs on trunks, and access VLAN on access ports. Ensuring these configurations will
significantly reduce network problems related to EtherChannel. Common EtherChannel issues include
the following:

Assigned ports in the EtherChannel are not part of the same VLAN, or not configured as trunks. Ports
with different native VLANs cannot form an EtherChannel.

Trunking was configured on some of the ports that make up the EtherChannel, but not all of them. It is
not recommended that you configure trunking mode on individual ports that make up the EtherChannel.
When configuring a trunk on an EtherChannel, verify the trunking mode on the EtherChannel.

If the allowed range of VLANs is not the same, the ports do not form an EtherChannel even when PAgP is
set to the auto or desirable mode.

The dynamic negotiation options for PAgP and LACP are not compatibly configured on both ends of the
EtherChannel.

Note: It is easy to confuse PAgP or LACP with DTP, because they are all protocols used to automate
behavior on trunk links. PAgP and LACP are used for link aggregation (EtherChannel). DTP is used for
automating the creation of trunk links. When an EtherChannel trunk is configured, typically
EtherChannel (PAgP or LACP) is configured first and then DTP.

6.3.3 Troubleshoot EtherChannel Example

In the figure, interfaces F0/1 and F0/2 on switches S1 and S2 are connected with an EtherChannel.
However, the EtherChannel is not operational.
Click each button for the steps to troubleshoot the EtherChannel.

Step 1. View the EtherChannel Summary Information

The output of the show etherchannel summary command indicates that the EtherChannel is down.

S1# show etherchannel summary

Flags: D - down P - bundled in port-channel
I - stand-alone s - suspended
H - Hot-standby (LACP only)
R - Layer3 S - Layer2
U - in use N - not in use, no aggregation
f - failed to allocate aggregator
M - not in use, minimum links not met
m - not in use, port not aggregated due to minimum links not met
u - unsuitable for bundling
w - waiting to be aggregated
d - default port
A - formed by Auto LAG
Number of channel-groups in use: 1
Number of aggregators: 1
Group Port-channel Protocol Ports
------+-------------+-----------+-----------------------------------------------
1 Po1(SD) - Fa0/1(D) Fa0/2(D)

Step 2. View Port Channel Configuration

In the show run | begin interface port-channel output, more detailed output indicates that there are
incompatible PAgP modes configured on S1 and S2.

S1# show run | begin interface port-channel

interface Port-channel1
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
!
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
channel-group 1 mode on
!
interface FastEthernet0/2
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
channel-group 1 mode on
 !======================================
S2# show run | begin interface port-channel
interface Port-channel1
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
!
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
channel-group 1 mode desirable
!
interface FastEthernet0/2
switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,2,20
switchport mode trunk
channel-group 1 mode desirable

Step 3: Correct the Misconfiguration

To correct the issue, the PAgP mode on the EtherChannel is changed to desirable.

Note: EtherChannel and STP must interoperate. For this reason, the order in which EtherChannel-related
commands are entered is important, which is why you see interface Port-Channel 1 removed and then
re-added with the channel-group command, as opposed to directly changed. If one tries to change the
configuration directly, STP errors cause the associated ports to go into blocking or errdisabled state.

S1(config)# no interface port-channel 1

S1(config)# interface range fa0/1 - 2
S1(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode desirable
Creating a port-channel interface Port-channel 1
S1(config-if-range)# no shutdown
S1(config-if-range)# exit
S1(config)# interface range fa0/1 - 2
S1(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode desirable
S1(config-if-range)# no shutdown
S1(config-if-range)# interface port-channel 1
S1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
S1(config-if)# end
S1#

Step 4. Verify EtherChannel is Operational

The EtherChannel is now active as verified by the output of the show etherchannel summary command.

S1# show etherchannel summary

Flags: D - down P - bundled in port-channel
I - stand-alone s - suspended
H - Hot-standby (LACP only)
R - Layer3 S - Layer2
 U - in use N - not in use, no aggregation
f - failed to allocate aggregator
M - not in use, minimum links not met
m - not in use, port not aggregated due to minimum links not met
u - unsuitable for bundling
w - waiting to be aggregated
d - default port
A - formed by Auto LAG
Number of channel-groups in use: 1
Number of aggregators: 1
Group Port-channel Protocol Ports
------+-------------+-----------+-----------------------------------------------
1 Po1(SU) PAgP Fa0/1(P) Fa0/2(P)

6.3.4 Packet Tracer - Troubleshoot EtherChannel

Four switches were recently configured by a junior technician. Users are complaining that the network is
running slowly and would like you to investigate.

6.4 - Module Practice and Quiz

6.4.1 Packet Tracer - Implement EtherChannel

You have been tasked with designing an EtherChannel implementation for a company that wants to
improve the performance of the switch trunk links. You will try several different ways of implementing
the EtherChannel links in order to evaluate which is the best for the company. You will build the
topology, configure trunk ports and implement LACP and PAgP EtherChannels.

6.4.2 Lab - Implement EtherChannel

In this lab, you will complete the following objectives:

Part 1: Build the Network and Configure Basic Device Settings

Part 2: Create VLANs and Assign Switch Ports

Part 3: Configure 802.1Q Trunks between the Switches

Part 4: Implement and Verify an EtherChannel between the switches

6.4.3 What did I learn in this module?

EtherChannel Operation

To increase bandwidth or redundancy, multiple links could be connected between devices. However,
STP will block redundant links to prevent switching loops. EtherChannel is a link aggregation technology
that allows redundant links between devices that will not be blocked by STP. EtherChannel groups
multiple physical Ethernet links together into one single logical link. It provides fault-tolerance, load
sharing, increased bandwidth, and redundancy between switches, routers, and servers. When an
EtherChannel is configured, the resulting virtual interface is called a port channel. EtherChannel has
several advantages, as well as some restrictions to implementation. EtherChannels can be formed
through negotiation using one of two protocols, PAgP or LACP. These protocols allow ports with similar
characteristics to form a channel through dynamic negotiation with adjoining switches. When an
EtherChannel link is configured using Cisco-proprietary PAgP, PAgP packets are sent between
EtherChannel-capable ports to negotiate the forming of a channel. Modes for PAgP are On, PAgP
desirable, and PAgP auto. LACP performs a function similar to PAgP with Cisco EtherChannel. Because
LACP is an IEEE standard, it can be used to facilitate EtherChannels in multivendor environments. Modes
for LACP are On, LACP active, and LACP passive.

Configure EtherChannel

The following guidelines and restrictions are useful for configuring EtherChannel:

EtherChannel support - All Ethernet interfaces on all modules must support EtherChannel with no
requirement that interfaces be physically contiguous, or on the same module.

Speed and duplex - Configure all interfaces in an EtherChannel to operate at the same speed and in the
same duplex mode.

VLAN match - All interfaces in the EtherChannel bundle must be assigned to the same VLAN or be
configured as a trunk.

Range of VLANs - An EtherChannel supports the same allowed range of VLANs on all the interfaces in a
trunking EtherChannel.

Configuring EtherChannel with LACP requires three steps:

Step 1. Specify the interfaces that compose the EtherChannel group using the interface range interface
global configuration mode command.

Step 2. Create the port channel interface with the channel-group identifier mode active command in
interface range configuration mode.

Step 3. To change Layer 2 settings on the port channel interface, enter port channel interface
configuration mode using the interface port-channel command, followed by the interface identifier.

Verify and Troubleshoot EtherChannel.

There are a number of commands to verify an EtherChannel configuration including show interfaces
port-channel, show etherchannel summary, show etherchannel port-channel, and show interfaces
etherchannel. Common EtherChannel issues include the following:

Assigned ports in the EtherChannel are not part of the same VLAN, or not configured as trunks. Ports
with different native VLANs cannot form an EtherChannel.

Trunking was configured on some of the ports that make up the EtherChannel, but not all of them.
If the allowed range of VLANs is not the same, the ports do not form an EtherChannel even when PAgP is
set to the auto or desirable mode.

The dynamic negotiation options for PAgP and LACP are not compatibly configured on both ends of the
EtherChannel.

6.4.4 Module Quiz - Etherchannel

An EtherChannel link using LACP was formed between two switches, S1 and S2. While verifying the
configuration, which mode combination could be utilized on both switches?

When a range of ports is being configured for EtherChannel, which mode will configure PAgP so that it
initiates the EtherChannel negotiation?

Which three interface parameters must match for an EtherChannel to form? (Choose three.)

What are three advantages of using EtherChannel technology? (Choose three.)

A network administrator is configuring an EtherChannel link between two physical ports on a switch.
Which statement describes the result when one of the physical ports fails?

When EtherChannel is implemented, multiple physical interfaces are bundled into which type of logical
connection?

When a range of ports is being configured for EtherChannel by the use of PAgP, which mode will form
the bundled channel only if the port receives PAgP packets from another device?

Which two load balancing methods can be implemented with EtherChannel technology? (Choose two.)
Which function is provided by EtherChannel?

Which statement is true about EtherChannel technology?

Which two mode combinations would result in the successful negotiation of an EtherChannel? (Choose
two.)

Which two protocols are link aggregation protocols? (Choose two.)

When a range of ports is being configured for EtherChannel, which mode will configure LACP so that it
initiates the EtherChannel negotiation?

What will happen if a network administrator puts a port that is part of an EtherChannel bundle into a
different VLAN than the other ports in that bundle?

When a range of ports is being configured for EtherChannel, which mode will configure LACP on a port
only if the port receives LACP packets from another device?