There are several typical configurations when using LACP with NAS servers and multiple switches for resiliency:
- Split-LAG with Layer-2 redundancy
- Split-LAG with Layer-2 redundancy and increased bandwidth
- Split-LAG with a single logical switch
Split-LAG with Layer-2 redundancy ( NAS module )
With LACP enabled, the two NAS modules in a Unified setup can be connected to a pair of independent switches configured with one link aggregation (over two file-serving interfaces), as shown in the example below. In this setup, only one of the ports in the aggregate will be active; since the switches are independent from each other LACP will disable the other interface, as illustrated by the dotted lines.
Split-LAG with Layer-2 redundancy (HNAS cluster)
With LACP enabled, a pair of clustered HNAS servers can be connected to a pair of independent switches configured with one link aggregation (over two file-serving interfaces), as shown in the example below. In this setup, only one of the ports in the aggregate will be active; since the switches are independent from each other LACP will disable the other interface, as illustrated by the dotted lines.
Split-LAG with Layer-2 redundancy and increased bandwidth
This configuration is a continuation of the previous example, using a link aggregation over four file-serving interfaces to two separate switches. This doubles the active and standby links, as shown in the example below:
Single logical switch with Layer-2 redundancy and increased bandwidth
This configuration includes a pair or switches connected in such a way as to appear as one logical switch. The HNAS servers are configured with a link aggregation over four file-serving interfaces, as shown in the example below. In this scenario since the switches are logically connected and no longer independent, a single port channel will extend across the switches and use all available links, and therefore all the ports will become active. This is the most optimal configuration for link aggregation across two switches.
