Etherchannel Overview - Cisco ME 3400G-2CS - Ethernet Access Switch Software Configuration Manual

Understanding EtherChannels

EtherChannel Overview

An EtherChannel consists of individual Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet links bundled into a single
logical link as shown in
Figure 31-1
The EtherChannel provides full-duplex bandwidth up to 800 Mbps (Fast EtherChannel) or 2Gbps
(Gigabit EtherChannel) between your switch and another switch or host.
Each EtherChannel can consist of up to eight compatibly configured Ethernet ports. All ports in each
EtherChannel must be configured as either Layer 2 or Layer 3 ports. The number of EtherChannels is
limited to 48. For more information, see the
page
configured to be in Layer 3 mode by using the no switchport interface configuration command. For
more information, see the
Note The switch must be running the metro IP access image to support Layer 3 ports.
Cisco ME 3400 Ethernet Access Switch Software Configuration Guide
31-2
Figure
Typical EtherChannel Configuration
Catalyst 8500
series switch
Gigabit EtherChannel
1000BASE-X
10/100
Switched
links
Workstations
31-10. The EtherChannel Layer 3 ports are made up of routed ports. Routed ports are physical ports
Chapter 9, "Configuring Interface Characteristics."
31-1.
1000BASE-X
10/100
Switched
links
Workstations
"EtherChannel Configuration Guidelines" section on
Chapter 31 Configuring EtherChannels
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