Teaming
What is Teaming?
Teaming, also known as VLAN Teaming, NIC Teaming, or link aggregation, combines multiple physical network adapters into a single logical interface. This approach provides increased bandwidth, redundancy, and improved performance. By ensuring failover protection in case one adapter or connection fails, teaming optimises traffic distribution for better network efficiency.
Common Teaming Modes
Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)
- Dynamically balances outgoing traffic among all team members.
- Does not require switch configuration, but inbound traffic is limited to a single adaptor.
- Best for environments needing a simple, efficient performance boost.
Static Link Aggregation (SLA)
- Combines multiple links into one logical connection using manual configuration.
- Requires switch support and static configuration (e.g., EtherChannel).
- Ideal for static environments with predictable traffic patterns.
Dynamic Link Aggregation (LACP)
- Automatically negotiates link aggregation with a switch using the IEEE 802.3ad protocol.
- Offers automatic failover and load balancing for high performance and reliability.
- Recommended for environments where switch-side configuration is feasible.
Switch-Independent
- Works without specific switch configuration by balancing traffic across team members.
- Provides redundancy, but load balancing may be less efficient compared to LACP.
Failover (Active/Standby)
- One adaptor is active, while others remain on standby for failover.
- Ensures maximum redundancy but does not increase bandwidth.
- Suitable for critical systems prioritizing uptime over throughput.
Implementing Redundancy at a Hardware Switch Level
Switch stacking offers an effective redundancy solution, serving as an alternative to Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP).
What is Switch Stacking?
Switch stacking involves physically connecting multiple switches to form a single logical unit. These switches share a unified control plane and are managed through a single interface. Dedicated stacking cables ensure high-speed communication between cables and ports, allowing them to function as a cohesive system.
Advantages Over LACP
- Simplified Management: The entire stack operates as a single switch, reducing configuration complexity.
- Resilience: If one switch in the stack fails, the others continue to function without disruption.
- Redundant Paths: Traffic between devices connected to different stack members remains internal, eliminating the need for external links.
- Higher Throughput: Stacking links typically offer greater bandwidth than LACP aggregated links, enhancing overall network performance.