Static EtherChannel

Unlike PAgP or LACP, Static EtherChannel does not require any negotiation between switches.

Figure 1 – Static EtherChannel with Mode On

Interfaces are statically grouped using the on mode at both ends. This configuration will also include setting up interfaces as trunks and allowing VLAN 50 on the trunk.

Prerequisites for Configuration

Before starting, ensure the following conditions are met:

• Interface Consistency: All interfaces in the EtherChannel must have the same speed, duplex, and interface type.

• VLAN and Trunking: For Layer 2 links, interfaces must be in the same VLAN or have identical trunk settings.

• Active Links: Ensure that each physical link is operational.

Figure 2 – EtherChannel Requirements Before Configuration

In this section, we configure a Static EtherChannel by enabling on mode, configuring the links as trunks, and allowing VLAN 50 on the trunk for demonstration purposes.

Configuration on SW1

Step 1: Enter Interface Configuration Mode

Select the physical interfaces that will form the EtherChannel.

SW1(config)# interface range g0/0-1

Step 2: Set Static EtherChannel Mode

The on mode creates an EtherChannel without using any negotiation protocol.
Therefore, the configuration must match on both switches.

SW1(config-if-range)# channel-group 1 mode on
Creating a port-channel interface Port-channel 1
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface Port-channel1, changed state to up
%LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface Port-channel1, changed state to up
SW1(config-if-range)# exit

After this command, a logical interface called Port-Channel 1 (Po1) is automatically created.

Step 3: Configure Trunk Mode and VLAN

Configure Port-Channel 1 as an 802.1Q trunk and allow VLAN 50.