I could be wrong about this, but my understanding of redundancy doesn't include EtherChannel. EtherChannel's main purpose is to create a larger aggregate "pipe" between switches. The manner in which it operates might lend to the interpretation that it can be used for redundancy, but it's not a redundant connection. You'd need two separate EtherChannels configured for redundancy between switches using STP.
Otherwise, yes, STP views an Etherchannel Trunk as 1 link/connection between switches, and if one of the links within the bundle/trunk is destroyed by means of unplugging the cable, cable being cut, or whatever, the trunk continues to operate with simply less aggregate bandwidth... unless you only used two ports on each switch to make the trunk link in the first place.... if you did, then the trunk would "dis-engage", and it would become a single link between the switches. If you want load balancing between switches... you would set up two EtherChannels, and configure half the VLAN traffic to traverse one trunk, while the other half of the VLANS would be configured to traverse the other trunk. STP would still be used for the redundancy, and it is how you do the load balancing by setting different priorities on the different vlans. Someone correct me if my comprehension is wrong. Mark Odette II - Preparing for Switching exam next Friday - -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of DAGENHARDT Frank Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 1:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Switch Question [7:25704] I have dual Gigabit trunk links connecting my two Catalyst 4003 switches. My STP type is IEEE. If I configure those two links as Etherchannel will one of those links still be blocked by STP? Or will the Etherchannel trunk be viewed by STP as only one link. Is there any disadvantage to doing this instead of letting it be blocked by STP for redundancy. Thanks Frank Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=25710&t=25704 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
