Free CCNA | Configuring EtherChannel | Day 23 Lab | CCNA 200-301 Complete Course

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through configuring EtherChannel using PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol), LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol), and static EtherChannel as part of the CCNA 200-301 course. EtherChannel allows you to bundle multiple physical links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.

Step 1: Understanding EtherChannel

• What is EtherChannel?

  • A technology that allows multiple physical Ethernet links to be combined into a single logical link.
  • Enhances bandwidth and provides link redundancy.

• Types of EtherChannel Protocols:

  • PAgP: Cisco's proprietary protocol for automatically forming EtherChannel.
  • LACP: An open standard protocol that allows for automatic link aggregation.
  • Static EtherChannel: Manually configured links that do not use any protocols for negotiation.

Step 2: Preparing the Switch Configuration

• Access the Switch CLI:

  • Connect to your switch using a console cable or SSH.
  • Enter privileged EXEC mode with the command:

    enable
    

• Enter Global Configuration Mode:

  • Use the command:

    configure terminal
    

Step 3: Configuring PAgP EtherChannel

• Select the Interfaces:

  • Decide which interfaces you want to bundle. For example, FastEthernet 0/1 and FastEthernet 0/2.

• Configure the Interfaces:

  • Enter the interface configuration mode for each interface:

    interface range fa0/1 - 2
    

• Set PAgP Mode:

  • Use the command to set the EtherChannel mode to desirable (PAgP):

    channel-group 1 mode desirable
    

• Set the Port Mode:

  • Ensure the interface mode is set to trunk if necessary:

    switchport mode trunk
    

Step 4: Configuring LACP EtherChannel

• Choose Interfaces for LACP:

  • Similar to PAgP, select the interfaces, e.g., FastEthernet 0/3 and FastEthernet 0/4.

• Enter Interface Configuration Mode:

  interface range fa0/3 - 4
  

• Set LACP Mode:

  • Configure LACP mode to active:

    channel-group 2 mode active
    

• Configure as Trunk:

  • Set the interface mode:

    switchport mode trunk
    

Step 5: Configuring Static EtherChannel

• Select Interfaces:

  • Choose the interfaces to bundle, e.g., FastEthernet 0/5 and FastEthernet 0/6.

• Configure Interfaces:

  • Access the interface configuration mode:

    interface range fa0/5 - 6
    

• Set Static EtherChannel:

  • Use the following command:

    channel-group 3 mode on
    

• Set the Port Mode:

  • Ensure the correct port mode:

    switchport mode trunk
    

Step 6: Verifying EtherChannel Configuration

• Check EtherChannel Status:

  • Use the command to view EtherChannel configuration:

    show etherchannel summary
    

• Verify the Configuration:

  • Ensure that all ports are in the correct state and listed under the right EtherChannel.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to configure EtherChannel using PAgP, LACP, and static methods. Each method has its uses depending on the network requirements and device compatibility. Practice these configurations in a lab environment using Packet Tracer or Boson NetSim to reinforce your understanding and prepare for the CCNA exam.