EtherChannel, also known as Link Aggregation, allows network administrators to group multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link. This aggregation increases bandwidth, provides fault tolerance, and enhances load balancing across the bundled links.
In this guide, we’ll walk through configuring a static EtherChannel using the manual mode (ON mode) on Cisco Catalyst switches SW1 and SW2.
Network Topology
The network topology we will be making use of in this post is shown below. As you can see, it consists of two switches joined together using two straight-through cables.
In this demonstration, we will configure Static Etherchannel on each of the switches so that the two links can be aggregated into one link with a higher bandwidth.
How to Configure Static Etherchannel in packet tracer
Configuring EtherChannel manually using the “on” mode means that no EtherChannel negotiation frames are exchanged. Unlike using negotiation protocols like Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) and IEEE Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), this method does not involve any dynamic negotiation.
However, it’s important to note that improper configuration increases the risk of forming loops compared to using negotiation protocols. Before configuring EtherChannel, make sure that the ports intended to be part of the EtherChannel are in the shutdown state. This precaution helps prevent loops and related issues.
Here are steps to configure static Etherchannel;
Step 1: Configure Static EtherChannel on Switch 1
SW1(config)#interface range fa0/1-2
SW1(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode on
SW1(config-if-range)#
Creating a port-channel interface Port-channel 1By using the mode on command, we manually enable EtherChannel on SW1’s interfaces fa0/1-2. This configuration sets up a static EtherChannel without any negotiation.
Step 2: Configure Static EtherChannel on Switch2
SW2(config)#interface range fa0/1-2
SW2(config-if-range)#channel-group 1 mode on
SW2(config-if-range)#
Creating a port-channel interface Port-channelSimilarly, on SW2, we use the mode on command to manually enable EtherChannel on interfaces fa0/1-2
Step 3:Verify Port-channel Creation on the Switches
Switch 1
SW1(config-if-range)#do show ip interface brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Port-channel1 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/1 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/2 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/3 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/4 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/5 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/6 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/7 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/8 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/9 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/10 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/11 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/12 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/13 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/14 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/15 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/16 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/17 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/18 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/19 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/20 unassigned YES manual down down Swtich2
SW2(config-if-range)#do show ip interface brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Port-channel1 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/1 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/2 unassigned YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/3 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/4 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/5 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/6 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/7 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/8 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/9 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/10 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/11 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/12 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/13 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/14 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/15 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/16 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/17 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/18 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/19 unassigned YES manual down down
FastEthernet0/20 unassigned YES manual down down >Show etherchannel summary
The “show etherchannel summary” can be used to simply display one line of information per port-channel
Switch1
SW2(config-if-range)#do show etherchannel summary
Flags: D - down P - in port-channel
I - stand-alone s - suspended
H - Hot-standby (LACP only)
R - Layer3 S - Layer2
U - in use f - failed to allocate aggregator
u - unsuitable for bundling
w - waiting to be aggregated
d - default port
Number of channel-groups in use: 1
Number of aggregators: 1
Group Port-channel Protocol Ports
------+-------------+-----------+----------------------------------------------
1 Po1(SU) - Fa0/1(P) Fa0/2(P) <--Switch2
SW2(config-if-range)#do show etherchannel summary Flags: D - down P - in port-channel I - stand-alone s - suspended H - Hot-standby (LACP only) R - Layer3 S - Layer2 U - in use f - failed to allocate aggregator u - unsuitable for bundling w - waiting to be aggregated d - default port Number of channel-groups in use: 1 Number of aggregators: 1 Group Port-channel Protocol Ports ------+-------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------- 1 Po1(SU) - Fa0/1(P) Fa0/2(P) <--
Related:
How to configure LACP etherchannel on Cisco switches in packet tracer
How to Configure Etherchannel Load Balancing
Etherchannel Open Standard Protocol: LACP Configuration & Show Commands
How to Configure Layer 3 Etherchannel On Packet Tracer
Reference: https://github.com/misterkrittin/CCNA-Labs
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