Link aggregation

In <a href="/facts/Computer_networking/3w5RM99p">computer networking</a>, link aggregation is the combining (aggregating) of multiple network connections in parallel by any of several methods. Link aggregation increases total <a href="/facts/Throughput/6zAUsXqw">throughput</a> beyond what a single connection could sustain, and provides <a href="/facts/Redundancy_(engineering)/odqzTmIo">redundancy</a> where all but one of the physical links may fail without losing connectivity. A link aggregation group (LAG) is the combined collection of physical ports.
Other umbrella terms used to describe the concept include trunking, bundling, bonding, channeling or teaming.
Implementation may follow vendor-independent standards such as <a href="/facts/Link_Aggregation_Control_Protocol/3BE3qHDT">Link Aggregation Control Protocol</a> (LACP) for <a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a>, defined in IEEE 802.1AX or the previous IEEE 802.3ad, but also <a href="/facts/Proprietary_protocol/o902Cmmh">proprietary protocols</a>.

Link aggregation open-in-new

Link aggregation