Users Guide

88 Switch Feature Overview
of-order frames. Devices unable to buffer the requisite number of frames will
show excessive frame discard. Configuring copper and fiber ports together in
an aggregation group is not recommended.
Logically, port channels are distinct from the member ports. This means that
configuration of the port channel affects the operational characteristics of the
member ports, not the configured characteristics. For example, shutting
down a port channel will operationally disable the port channel members
without altering the member port configuration.
Link Aggregate Control Protocol (LACP)
Link Aggregate Control Protocol (LACP) uses peer exchanges across links to
determine, on an ongoing basis, the aggregation capability of various links,
and continuously provides the maximum level of aggregation capability
achievable between a given pair of systems. LACP automatically determines,
configures, binds, and monitors the binding of ports to aggregators within the
system.
Multi-Switch LAG (MLAG)
Dell EMC Networking N-Series switches support the MLAG feature to
extend the LAG bandwidth advantage across multiple Dell EMC Networking
N-Series switches connected to a LAG partner device. The LAG partner
device is unaware that it is connected to two peer Dell EMC Networking
N-Series switches; instead, the two switches appear as a single switch to the
partner. When using MLAG, all links can carry data traffic across a physically
diverse topology and, in the case of a link or switch failure, traffic can
continue to flow with minimal disruption.