Description
This article discusses Link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad).
Scope
FortiGate.
Solution
Link Aggregation, based on the IEEE 802.3ad standard, allows multiple physical interfaces to be bundled together to form a single logical interface known as an aggregate interface. This aggregated link provides increased bandwidth by combining the capacity of all member interfaces, enhancing throughput and enabling load balancing across the links.
In the event of a link failure within the group, traffic is automatically redistributed among the remaining active interfaces. This ensures high availability with minimal impact, typically limited to reduced overall bandwidth rather than complete connectivity loss.
Link aggregation differs significantly from redundant interfaces, which also aim to provide link-level failover. However, while redundant interfaces activate only one physical link at a time (with others serving as backups), an aggregate interface utilizes all active links simultaneously to maximize bandwidth and efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Increased bandwidth through link bundling.
- Improved resiliency and failover.
- Load balancing across multiple links.
- Simplified management of multiple physical links as a single logical interface.
Use Cases:
- High-throughput environments require scalable bandwidth.
- Core-to-distribution switch interconnections.
- Link redundancy and performance enhancement in enterprise networks.
FortiGate Firewall Link Aggregation Configuration Guide:
https://help.fortinet.com/fadc/4-0-2/html-e/Content/Quick_Start/Link_Aggregation.htm
