From the course: Cisco CCNA (200-301) Cert Prep: 1 Network Fundamentals and Access

Unlock the full course today

Join today to access over 22,600 courses taught by industry experts or purchase this course individually.

EtherChannels

EtherChannels

From the course: Cisco CCNA (200-301) Cert Prep: 1 Network Fundamentals and Access

Start my 1-month free trial

EtherChannels

“

- [Instructor] By default, in a switch network, only a single connection between switches can be active and forwarding traffic at the same time. The alternate link will be blocked until the primary fails. Then it has the opportunity to pass traffic. This methodology is in place to prevent switching loops. EtherChannel is an alternative that allows a switch to simultaneously forward packets across redundant links. EtherChannel can be referred to as link aggregation group or bond depending on vendor and product. The switch will create a logical interface that is associated with all physical ports that are part of the EtherChannel. Within EtherChannel, if a link fails, there is no STP convergence. All remaining ports continue to forward traffic. When a link returns, it will be added back into the EtherChannel and can begin forwarding traffic immediately. Another benefit aside from resiliency, is link capacity. If two gigabit interfaces are bonded, the traffic moving across the…

Contents