Definition
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a network protocol that synchronizes multiple physical network links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth, boost redundancy, and enhance reliability.
Benefits of Link Aggregation Control Protocol
- Increased bandwidth: LACP boosts the bandwidth between two connected devices by combining several links.
- Redundancy: If one link malfunctions in a bundle, LACP redirects traffic to the remaining operational links.
- Automatic configuration: LACP automatically combines links, eliminating the need for manual setup.
- Load balancing: LACP balances network traffic across all the available links, maximizing resource efficiency.
- Interoperability: LACP is compatible with various network hardware brands.
Link Aggregation Control Protocol Applications
- High availability environment: LACP ensures data availability even if the connection fails, especially in critical sectors like banking and healthcare, where downtime can be costly.
- Extensive enterprise network: LACP helps to balance load across links in businesses with significant data traffic, like media companies.
- Server connections: Servers with multiple network interface cards (NICs) use LACP to bundle connections.
- Data centers: LACP helps vast data centers to combine links, boosting the bandwidth between routers, switches, and servers.