Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide, NX-OS 4.0(1a)N1 (OL-16597-01, January 2009)

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11-7
Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide
OL-16597-01
Chapter 11 Configuring Port Channels
Configuring Port Channels
• A port in passive mode cannot form a port channel with another port that is also in passive mode
because neither port will initiate negotiation.
• A port in on mode is not running LACP.
LACP Marker Responders
Using port channels, data traffic may be dynamically redistributed due to either a link failure or load
balancing. LACP uses the Marker Protocol to ensure that frames are not duplicated or reordered because
of this redistribution. Cisco NX-OS supports only Marker Responders.
LACP-Enabled and Static Port Channels Differences
Table 11-3 provides a brief summary of major differences between port channels with LACP enabled
and static port channels.
Configuring Port Channels
You can configure multiple port channels on a device.
This section includes the following topics:
• Creating a Port Channel, page 11-7
• Adding a Port to a Port Channel, page 11-8
• Configuring Load Balancing Using Port Channels, page 11-9
• Enabling LACP, page 11-10
• Configuring Port-Channel Port Modes, page 11-10
• Configuring the LACP System Priority and System ID, page 11-11
• Configuring the LACP Port Priority, page 11-11
Creating a Port Channel
You can create a port channel before creating a channel group. Cisco NX-OS automatically creates the
associated channel group.
Table 11-3 Port Channels with LACP Enabled and Static Port Channels
Configurations Port Channels with LACP Enabled Static Port Channels
Protocol applied Enable globally. Not applicable.
Channel mode of links Can be either:
• Active
• Passive
Can only be On.
Maximum number of links
in channel
88