Port Channels & Channel Groups

Hi,

Could some please explain the technical concept behind configuring Port Channels & Channel Groups on a Switch?

Why is it done?
What are the benefits in a Switching environment?

Thanks

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Comments

notgoing2fail

RS_MCP wrote: »

Hi,

Could some please explain the technical concept behind configuring Port Channels & Channel Groups on a Switch?

Why is it done?
What are the benefits in a Switching environment?

Thanks

That's for etherchannel. You can configure up to 8 ports on a switch for it. It's main purpose is for redundancy in case a link goes down. It also increases available bandwidth so it can affect various routing protocols and STP....

It all depends on your setup I suppose...

chmorin

In creases redundancy, and shares the data load. Which allows you to have alot more things being pumped over the lines if that is your goal.

I'd mostly create an etherchannel on trunk links between switches, to create a backup to jump into place should on link go down. Expensive when it comes to fiber though.

alan2308

Here's some more on the subject if you're interested:

Understanding EtherChannel Load Balancing and Redundancy on Catalyst Switches - Cisco Systems