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Catalyst2950 and Catalyst2955 Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Chapter31 Configuring EtherChannels
Understanding EtherChannels
PAgP and LACP Modes
Table31-1 shows the use r-configurab le Ethe rC hanne l m ode s fo r t he channel-group interface
configuration command. Switch interfaces exchange PAgP packets only with partner interfaces
configured in the auto or desirable modes. Switch interfaces exchange LACP packets only with partner
interfaces configured in the active or passive modes. Interfaces configured in the on mode do not
exchange PAgP or LACP packets.

Exchanging PAgP Packets

Both the auto and desirable PAgP modes allow interfaces to negotiate with partner interfaces to
determine if they can form an EtherChannel based on criteria such as interface speed and, for Layer2
EtherChannels, trunking state and VLAN numbers.
Interfaces can form an EtherChannel when th ey are in d ifferent PAgP modes as long a s t he mod es are
compatible. For example:
•An interface in the desirable mode can form an EtherChannel with another interface that is in the
desirable or auto mode.
•An interface in the auto mode can form an EtherChannel with another interface in the desirable
mode.
An interface in the auto mode cannot form an EtherChannel with another interface that is also in the
auto mode because neither interface starts PAgP negotiation.
An interface in the on mode that is added to a port channel is forced to have the same characteristics as
the already existing on mode interfaces in the channel.
If your switch is connected to a partner that is PAgP-capable, you can configure the switch interface for
nonsilent operation by using the non-silent keyword. If you do not specify non-silent with the auto or
desirable mode, silent mode is assumed.
The silent mode is used when the switch is connected to a device that is not PAgP-capable and seldom,
if ever, sends packets. An example of a silent partner is a file server or a packet an al yzer th at is not
generating traffic. In this case, running PAgP on a physical port connected to a silent partner prevents
that switch port from ever becoming operational; however, the silent setting allows PAgP to operate, to
attach the interface to a channel group, and to use the interface for transmission.
Table31-1 EtherChannel Modes
Mode Description
active Places an interface into an active negotiating state, in which the interface starts
negotiations with other interfaces by sending LACP packets.
auto Places an interface into a passive negotiating state, in which the interface responds to PAgP
packets it receives but does not start PAgP packet negotiation. This setting minimizes the
transmission of PAgP packets.
desirable Places an interface into an active negotiating state, in which the interface starts
negotiations with other interfaces by sending PAgP packets.
on Forces the interface into an EtherChannel without PAgP or LACP. With the on mode, a
usable EtherChannel exists only when an interface group in the on mode is connected to
another interface group in the on mode.
passive Places an interface into a passive negotiating state, in which the interface res pond s to
LACP packets that it receives, but does not start LACP packet negotiation. This setting
minimizes the transmission of LACP packets.