Link Aggregation

Link aggregation (network bonding) combines two or more interfaces to look like one interface to the applications. Link aggregation could be used to increase the bandwidth or to increase the redundancy for higher availability.

Figure 1. Link Aggregation

Link aggregation for increased redundancy could be configured to use either an active/backup mode on the interfaces or an active/active mode where data is sent on both interfaces.

In Link aggregation for increased bandwidth the two endpoints cooperates to use all aggregated interfaces to send data in parallel.

For all modes where aggregated interfaces from the server are active simultaneously the connected switch or switches must support and handle this functionality.