Link Aggregation | Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ manual

3-6. Link Aggregation

Basically, Link Aggregation is to aggregate the bandwidth of more than one port to an assigned logical link. This highly increases total bandwidth to the targeted device. There is more than one Link Aggregation technology in many vendors’ switch products already, which may cause the problem of interoperability. This is the reason why now we have 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP).

Why 802.3ad (LACP)?

Network is varying. For example, if a port malfunctioned or unplugged accidentally in a static trunk port, administrator has to reconfigure it, or the network will get in trouble. Therefore, offering a tool with automatic recovery capability is necessary for an administrator. LACP is a protocol that allows a switch to be able to know whether its partner has the capability to co-setup a trunk between them.

Usually, if administrator wishes to increase the bandwidth of a specific link, he may:

1.Buy new network equipments with higher throughput, or

2.Aggregate the bandwidth of more than one port to become a local link.

If item 1 is the case, you will have to pay much more for the equipments; and the results may not be scalable if the unsatisfied performance is caused by hardware limitations.

If item 2 is the case, no extra cost is required, and the demand of bandwidth can be flexible because all that needs is to reconfigure equipments that are there already. And what’s more, no worries necessary regarding the interoperability issue. Applying LACP in your network, you will not only gain benefits as listed below to improve the performance of your network but also have these investments reusable to future new network bandwidth planning.

Public standardized specification

1.No interoperability issue

2.No change to IEEE 802.3 frame format, no change necessary for software and management.

3.Increased bandwidth and availability

4.Load sharing and redundancy

5.Automatic configuration

6.Rapid configuration and reconfiguration

7.Determinated behavior

8.Low risk of duplication or mis-ordering

9.Support existing IEEE 802.3 MAC Clients

10. Backward compatibility with aggregation-unaware devices

There are also some constraints when applying LACP.

1.LACP does not support inter-switch bandwidth aggregation.

2.The ports aggregated must operate in full-duplex mode.

3.The ports in the same Link Aggregation Group must have the same speed, for example, all with 100Mbps or all 1000Mbps. You cannot aggregate a 1000Mbps and two 100Mbps for a 1.2Gbps trunk port.

ES-5240G+ specifications

Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ is a highly versatile and efficient Ethernet switch designed to cater to the networking needs of small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. With its robust features and reliable performance, this switch is an essential component for a seamless network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the ES-5240G+ is its 24 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. This allows for high-speed connectivity, enabling users to transfer large files quickly and efficiently. The switch is equipped with a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that all ports can be utilized simultaneously without any reduction in bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on high-speed internet and internal networks for their daily operations.

The ES-5240G+ supports advanced Layer 2 switching features, including VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, port mirroring, and link aggregation. These features enhance network management and optimization, making it easier to segment network traffic and improve security. With VLAN support, users can create separate networks within the same switch, leading to improved performance and reduced broadcast traffic.

Moreover, the ES-5240G+ incorporates IEEE 802.3x Flow Control, which helps to prevent data loss during heavy traffic periods. This technology allows for effective communication between devices and ensures smooth data transmission, even in congested network environments. Additionally, the switch is equipped with Automatic MDI/MDI-X detection, eliminating the need for crossover cables and simplifying installation.

From a security perspective, Edimax has included features such as address filtering and port security, which help to protect the network from unauthorized access. The switch can restrict access to specific MAC addresses, providing an added layer of security for sensitive data.

In terms of energy efficiency, the ES-5240G+ is designed to comply with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standards. This technology helps to reduce power consumption during low-traffic periods, making it an eco-friendly choice for businesses looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

Overall, Edimax Technology ES-5240G+ stands out as a reliable and efficient Ethernet switch, equipped with a range of features that enhance network performance and security. Its capabilities make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to streamline their networking infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.