Understanding Etherchannels - Cisco Catalyst 3550 series Software Configuration Manual

Configuring EtherChannels
This chapter describes how to configure EtherChannel on the Layer 2 and Layer 3 interfaces of a
Catalyst 3550 switch. EtherChannel provides fault-tolerant high-speed links between switches, routers,
and servers. You can use it to increase the bandwidth between the wiring closets and the data center, and
you can deploy it anywhere in the network where bottlenecks are likely to occur. EtherChannel provides
automatic recovery for the loss of a link by redistributing the load across the remaining links. If a link
fails, EtherChannel redirects traffic from the failed link to the remaining links in the channel without
intervention.
This chapter consists of these sections:
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•
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For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the command
Note
reference for this release.

Understanding EtherChannels

An EtherChannel consists of individual Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet links bundled into a single
logical link as shown in
(Fast EtherChannel) or 8 Gbps (Gigabit EtherChannel) between your switch and another switch or host.
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Understanding EtherChannels, page 30-1
Configuring EtherChannels, page 30-7
Displaying EtherChannel, PAgP, and LACP Status, page 30-18
Figure 30-1. The EtherChannel provides full-duplex bandwidth up to 800 Mbps
Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide
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