EtherChannel bundles individual Ethernet links into a single logical link
that provides bandwidth up to 1600 Mbps (Fast EtherChannel full duplex) or 16
Gbps (Gigabit EtherChannel) between two Catalyst switches. All interfaces in
each EtherChannel must be the same speed and duplex and must all be configured
as either Layer 2 or Layer 3 interfaces.
If a link within the
EtherChannel bundle fails, traffic previously carried over the failed link will
be carried over the remaining links within the EtherChannel
The
configuration applied to the individual physical interfaces that are to be
aggregated by EtherChannel affect only those interfaces. Each EtherChannel has
a logical port channel interface. A configuration applied to the port channel
interface affects all physical interfaces assigned to that interface. (Such
commands can be STP commands or commands to configure a Layer 2 EtherChannel as
a trunk.)
Etherchannel Features and Benefits
- Allows for the creation of a very-high-bandwidth logical link
- Load balances amongst the physical links involved
- Provides automatic failover
- Simplifies subsequent logical configuration (configuration is per logical
link instead of per physical link)