Port aggregation using 2 switches

To configure 2-port aggregation between switches, you combine two sequential ports into a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) using either static or LACP-based dynamic aggregation, ensuring consistent settings on both switches.Key ConsiderationsSequential Ports: Ports must be sequentially numbered on both switches to form a valid aggregation group .Consistent Settings: Ensure all ports in the aggregation group have the same speed, duplex mode (full duplex only), VLAN configuration, and STP settings .Aggregation Mode: Choose between:Static (ON): Manual aggregation without negotiation; both ends must match exactly .Dynamic (LACP): Uses Link Aggregation Control Protocol (802.3ad) for automatic negotiation and failover. Modes include active (initiates LACP) and passive (responds to LACP), .Step-by-Step Configuration (General)Select Ports: Identify two sequential ports on each switch to aggregate (e.g., ports 3 and 4).Enter Configuration Mode: Access the switch CLI or management interface.Create Aggregation Group:Assign a channel group ID (e.g., 1) to the selected ports.Set the aggregation mode (ON, active, or passive) depending on whether you want static or LACP-based aggregation .Apply Consistent Settings: Verify that VLANs, STP, speed, and duplex are identical on both ports .Enable LACP (if dynamic): On Cisco switches, set the EtherChannel mode to active or passive .Repeat on Peer Switch: Configure the same ports and aggregation settings on the connected switch, ensuring both ends match exactly .Verify Aggregation: Check the status to confirm the ports are aggregated. In UniFi, the parent port is active and the child port is slightly greyed out in the interface .Best PracticesConfigure Downstream First: Apply changes on the switch farthest from the core or gateway, then move upstream .Avoid Physical Connections During Setup: Temporarily disconnect the ports to prevent negotiation conflicts .Load Balancing: Configure a load balance policy (e.g., source MAC) to optimize traffic distribution across the aggregated links .Redundancy: Aggregation provides failover; if one port fails, traffic continues on the remaining port . By following these steps, you can successfully configure a 2-port aggregation between switches, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy while ensuring proper LACP negotiation and consistent port settings.