Add/Edit EtherChannel dialog box parameters

This dialog box includes these parameters.
Parameter
Description
EtherChannel
Shows the EtherChannel group number.
Channel Mode
Shows how ports become active. With all options except On, negotiations occur to determine which ports become active. Incompatible ports are put into an independent state and continue to carry data traffic, but do not participate in the EtherChannel.
These modes are available:
  • Link Aggregation Control Protocol (Active)
    - This mode enables Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) unconditionally. The port sends LACP packets to other ports to initiate negotiations to create EtherChannels. A port in Active mode can form an EtherChannel with another port that is in Active or Passive mode. The ports must be configured for Full-duplex.
  • Port Aggregation Control Protocol (PAgP)
    - This mode enables Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP), a Cisco-proprietary protocol. The port responds to requests to create EtherChannels but does not initiate such negotiations. This silent mode is recommended when a port is connected to a device, such as a file server or a packet analyzer that is unlikely to send PAgP packets.
  • Port Aggregation Control Protocol (non-silent)
    - This mode is the same as Auto mode but is recommended when the port is connected to a device that is expected to be active in initiating EtherChannels. A port in the Auto mode can form an EtherChannel with another port in the Desirable mode.
  • Port Aggregation Control Protocol Desirable
    - This mode enables Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP), a Cisco-proprietary protocol. The port initiates negotiations to form EtherChannels by sending PAgP packets to other ports. This "silent" mode is recommended when a port is connected to a device, such as a file server or a packet analyzer that is unlikely to send PAgP packets. A port in the Desirable mode can form an EtherChannel with another port that is in the Desirable or Auto mode.
  • Port Aggregation Control Protocol Desirable (non-silent)
    - This mode is the same as Desirable mode but is recommended when the port is connected to a device that initiates EtherChannels.
  • Link Aggregation Control Protocol (Passive)
    - This mode enables Link Aggregation Control Protocol only if an LACP device is detected at the other end of the link. The port responds to requests to create EtherChannels but does not initiate such negotiations. The ports must be configured for Full-duplex.
  • Static
    - All ports join the EtherChannel, without negotiations. This mode can be useful if the remote device does not support the protocols that other modes require. The switches at both ends of the link must be configured in On mode.
Port Members
Shows the ports selected for the channel group.
  • Port
    - Shows the port number.
  • EtherChannel
    - Indicates Port is used for EtherChannel if selected.
Set
Sends the settings to the switch. The
Enter password
dialog box may appear.
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