Link Aggregation Groups (Lags); Introduction - Nokia ESB26 User Manual

7. Link Aggregation Groups
(LAGs)

Introduction

Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs), also known as trunks, provide increased bandwidth and
high reliability while saving the cost of upgrading the hardware. By combining several
interfaces into one logical link, LAGs offer network channels tailored to need, filling the gaps
between 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps with intermediate bandwidth values. LAGs also
enable bandwidths beyond the 100 Mb limit by aggregating multiple Mega ports (see the
example in Figure 7-1).
Figure 7-1: Four Ports Combined into a Link Aggregation Group
The Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) ensures smooth and steady traffic flow by
automating the configuration, re-configuration and maintenance of aggregated links. The
LACP feature dynamically adapts aggregated links to changes in traffic conditions. Load
sharing is maintained and automatically readjusted if a failure or recovery from failure occurs
in any of the links that participate in a dynamic LAG.
BiNOS supports both static and dynamic LAGs. Static and dynamic LAGs can exist
simultaneously on the same switch.
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