This article will introduce how to config link aggregation and the benefit of using link aggregation on VNXe storage.

Before configuring link aggregation on VNXe, we have to know what link aggregation is, and why we use link aggregation.

Link aggregation is a computer networking term to describe various methods of combining (aggregating) multiple network connections in parallel to increase throughput beyond what a single connection could sustain, and to provide redundancy in case one of the links fail.

Then, let us to check the support information of link aggregation on VNXe series storage.

All models in the VNXe series support link aggregation. Link aggregation allows Ethernet ports that are associated with the same switch and have similar characteristics to combine into a single virtual device/link. The aggregated link may have a single IP address or multiple IP addresses.

With link aggregation on VNXe, up to four Ethernet ports can be combined into one logical link. Link aggregation must include the first port (Like eth2) of IO module. And, VNXe does notsupport config link aggregation across IO module. For example, we already added 4 x 1Gb/s IO module(eth10,11,12,13) to VNXe3300. In this environment, we only aggregating port eth3, eth4, eth5 with eth2; and aggregating port eth11, eth12, eth13 with eth10 for link aggregation creating. This means that we could not create link aggregation across two IO module.

Why we use link aggregation on VNXe? What are the benefits?

Config link aggregation on VNXe has the following advantages:

·         High availability of network paths to and from VNXe - If one physical port of an aggregated port fails, the VNXe system does not lose connectivity.

·         Possible increased overall throughput - This is because multiple physical ports are bonded into one logical port.

·         Load balancing across linked ports - Network traffic is distributed between multiple physical ports.

How to config link aggregation on VNXe?

If you want to config link aggregation on VNXe, each storage processor (SP) must have the same type and number of Ethernet ports. Linked ports must be connected to the same logical switch, and the switch must be configured to use the active mode of Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). Please refer to your switch vendor's documentation for more information about using LACP.

Then, follow the following steps on VNXe Unisphere:

 

1.     Login to VNXe Unisphere

2.     Click Settings > More configuration > Advanced Configuration.

3.     In the IO Modules section, select an Ethernet port name (eth2, eth3, eth4, or eth5).

4.     In the Ethernet Port section, select the Aggregation checkbox to aggregate the selected port with eth2. (Only aggregating with eth2)

5.     Click Apply Changes to save the link aggregation configuration.

                                                                                                                                              

Author: Leo Li