Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
EtherChannel
The Cisco EtherChannel implementations provide a method to increase the bandwidth
between two systems by bundling Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or 10GE links. When
bundling Fast Ethernet links, use Fast EtherChannel. Gigabit EtherChannel bundles Giga-
bit Ethernet links. EtherChannel port bundles enable you to group multiple ports into a
single logical transmission path between the switch and a router, host, or another switch.
EtherChannels provide increased bandwidth, load sharing, and redundancy. If a link fails
in the bundle, the other links take on the traffic load. You can configure EtherChannel
bundles as trunk links.
Depending on your hardware, you can form an EtherChannel with up to eight compatibly
configured ports on the switch. The participating ports must have the same speed and du-
plex mode and belong to the same VLAN.
Comparison of Campus Media
As noted previously, several media types are used for campus networks. Table 3-6 pro-
vides a summary comparison of them. Wireless LAN (WLAN) is included here for com-
pleteness. WLAN technologies are covered in Chapter 5.
Ta b l e 3 - 6
Campus Transmission Media Comparison
Key
To p i c
Specification
Copper/UTP
Multimode
Fiber
Single-Mode Fiber
Wireless LAN
Bandwidth
Up to 10
Gbps
Up to 10 Gbps
Up to 10 Gbps
Up to 300 Mbps
Distance
Up to 100 m
Up to 2 km (FE)
Up to 550 m (GE)
Up to 300 m
(10GE)
Up to 80 km (FE)
Up to 100 m (GE)
Up to 80 km (10GE)
Up to 500 m at 1
Mbps
Price
Inexpensive
Moderate
Moderate to
expensive
Moderate
This section covers the hardware devices and how to apply them to LAN design. You
place devices in the LAN depending on their roles and capabilities. LAN devices are cate-
gorized based on how they operate in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
This section covers the following devices:
Repeaters
■
Key
To p i c
Hubs
■
Bridges
■
