Link Aggregation

With this dialog you can:

The LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol based on IEEE 802.3ad) is a network protocol for dynamically bundling physical network connections. The added bandwidth of all connection lines is available for data transmission. In the case of a connection breaking down, the remaining connections take over the entire data transmission (redundancy). The load distribution between the connection lines is performed automatically.

You configure a link aggregation by combining at least 2 existing parallel redundant connection lines (known as a trunk) between two devices into one logical connection. You can use link aggregation to combine up to 8 (optimally up to 4) connection lines between devices into a trunk.

Any combination of twisted pair and F/O cables can be used as the connection lines of a trunk. Configure the connections so that the data rates and the duplex settings of the related ports are matching.

A maximum of 7 trunks can exit a device.

Note: Exclude the combination of a link aggregation with the following redundancy procedures:
Note: A link aggregation connects exactly 2 devices.
You configure the link aggregation on each of the 2 devices involved. During the configuration phase, you connect only one single connection line between the devices. This is to avoid loops.

Tab. Link Aggregation

Parameter

Meaning

Allow static link aggregation

When you connect devices using multiple lines, the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) automatically prevents loops from forming. Select Allow static link aggregation if the partner device does not support LACP (e.g. MACH 3000).
Default value: not selected

Trunk-Port

This column shows you the index under which the device uses a link aggregation as a virtual port (8.x).

Device-Ports

List of physical ports that are members of the link aggregation.

Name

Here you can assign a name to the link aggregation.

Active

This column allows you to enable/disable a link aggregation that has been set up.

Link Trap

When you select “Link Trap”, the device generates an alarm if all the connections of the link aggregation are interrupted.

STP-Mode

In the “STP Mode” column, select
on if you have integrated the link aggregation into a Spanning Tree, or
off if you have not.

Type

- manual The partner device does not support LACP, and you have selected

“Allow static link aggregation”.
- dynamic Both devices support LACP and you have not selected “Allow static link aggregation”.
Note: If there are multiple connections between devices that all support LACP, the device displays dynamic even if “Allow static link aggregation” was selected. In this case, the devices automatically switch to dynamic.

Note: For PowerMICE and MACH 4000
To increase the availability of particularly important connections, you can combine HIPER-Ring (refer Ring Redundancy) and link aggregation.
If you want to use a link aggregation in a HIPER-Ring, you first configure the link aggregation, then the HIPER-Ring. In the HIPER-Ring dialog, you enter the index of the desired link aggregation as the value for the module and the port (8.x). Ascertain that the respective ring port belongs to the selected link aggregation.

Buttons

Tab. Buttons (Forts.)

Button

Meaning

“Set”

Transfers the changes to the volatile memory (RAM) of the device. To permanently save the changes, open the Basic Settings:Load/Save dialog, select the location to save the configuration, and click “Save”.

“Reload”

Updates the fields with the values that are saved in the volatile memory (RAM) of the device.

“Create”

Adds a new table entry.

“Remove”

Removes the selected table entry.

“Add Device Ports”

Opens “Select Ports to add” window which displays available ports.To add a port from the trunk, select it, then click “OK”.

“Remove Device‑Ports”

Opens a list of ports present on the trunk. To remove a port from the trunk, select it, then click “OK”.

“OK”

Carries out the selected action.

“Cancel”

Stops the selected action.

“Help”

Opens the online help.