IEEE 802.3ad: Dynamic

802.3ad is an IEEE Link Aggregation standard. Like static Link Aggregation teams, teams using dynamic Link Aggregation increase throughput by:

Adapter configuration. By adding members to a team, you can increase throughput. Teams can consist of up to eight adapters. Each server can operate with up to four teams.
Traffic analysis. The software continuously analyzes transmission loads on each team member and then balances the loads across the adapters as needed. The switch load balances receive traffic.

In addition, 802.3ad teams provide fault tolerance. In 802.3ad teams, the server uses one IP/MAC address to communicate with the network. In turn, network devices and clients treat a team in link aggregation mode as one computer. When an adapter fails in the team, the network sees the team as a computer with reduced capabilities.

Link Aggregation teams are compatible with the following:

Adapter speed

The adapters' speeds can be mixed.

Network configuration

Verify that the switch connected to the adapters fully supports the IEEE 802.3ad standard.
Check your switch documentation for port dependencies. Some switches require pairing to start on a primary port.
Check your speed and duplex settings to ensure the adapter and switch are running at full duplex, either forced or set to auto-negotiate. Both the adapter and the switch must have the same speed and duplex configuration. The full duplex requirement is part of the IEEE 802.3ad specification: http://standards.ieee.org/.
If needed, change your speed or duplex setting before you link the adapter to the switch. Although you can change speed and duplex settings after the team is created, Intel recommends you disconnect the cables until settings are in effect. In some cases, switches or servers might not appropriately recognize modified speed or duplex settings if settings are changed when there is an active link to the network.
If you are configuring a VLAN, check your switch documentation for VLAN compatibility notes. Not all switches support simultaneous dynamic 802.3ad teams and VLANs. If you do choose to set up VLANs, configure teaming and VLAN settings on the adapter before you link the adapter to the switch. Setting up VLANs after the switch has created an active aggregator affects VLAN functionality.

NOTE: In some switches, copper and fiber adapters cannot belong to the same aggregator in an IEEE 802.3ad configuration. If there are copper and fiber adapters installed in a system, the switch might configure the copper adapters in one aggregator and the fiber-based adapters in another. If you experience this behavior, for best performance you should use either copper or fiber-based adapters in a system.

Protocols

All

See also:

About Teaming

Team Types