Port Configuration Command Set
Configuring Link Aggregation
4-46 Matrix E1 Series (1G58x-09 and 1H582-xx) Configuration Guide
4.3.10 Configuring Link Aggregation
Link aggregation — using multiple links simultaneously — is a powerful feature for increasing the
bandwidth of a network connection and for ensuring fault recovery. Matrix E1 devices support the
following two methods of link aggregation:
•Port Trunking — Statically grouping ports by creating and assigning ports to a “trunk”.
Trunking is a term used in earlier (proprietary) implementations of port aggregation on Matrix
E1 devices. For details, refer to Section 4.3.11.
•802.3ad — Enabling and configuring the 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol to
logically group port interfaces together to create a greater bandwidth uplink. For details, refer to
Section 4.3.13.
By default, a Matrix E1 device running firmware version 3.xx.xx and later is set to 802.3ad mode
for managing link aggregation. If you are upgrading Matrix E1 firmware from a previous image in
which port trunks were configured, the device will remain in port trunking mode. To change the link
aggregation mode on the device, use the set port trunkmode command as described in
Section 4.3.11.2.
4.3.10.1 Matrix E1 Trunk and LAG Usage Considerations
When configuring port trunking and 802.3ad link aggregation on Matrix E1 devices, it is important
consider the following factors:
•Ports can only be assigned to one trunk or Link Aggregation Group (LAG).
•Fast Ethernet ports in a trunk or LAG must belong to the same port group. For details on port
grouping designations, refer to Section 4.3.10.2.
•Ports in a trunk or LAG must be of the same port type. Fast Ethernet and Gigabit ports cannot
be combined into a trunk.
•Only one trunk or LAG can be configured per port group.
•The ports at both ends of a connection must be enabled and identically configured as trunk or
LAG ports.
•The ports at both ends of a trunk or LAG must be configured in an identical manner, including
speed, duplex mode, and VLAN assignments.
CAUTION: Link aggregation configuration should only be performed by personnel who
are knowledgeable about Spanning Tree and Link Aggregation, and fully understand the
ramifications of modifications beyond device defaults. Otherwise, the proper operation
of the network could be at risk.