Etherchannel and NIC Teaming

[molecul3]

Hi,

I have read a couple of posts on the "servers" section in regards to this topic but I would like some clarification. I have configured 2 switchports as an etherchannel. On the server side, they are attempting to team both NICs connected to those switchports but are getting very weird results (e.g. dropped connectivity etc). After reading up on a couple of forums, I noticed many people talking about the port-chanel load-balancing method. Apparently, using the wrong or unsuitable method will lead to unwanted results. Is this true? The port-channel load-balancing method currently set to on my switch is source MAC. Can anyone shed some light or advise based on experience - what is the best method or best practice for setting up etherchannels with NIC teaming. Thanks in advance

 

[baddos]

It's more likely the setup you are using in your network card drivers.

 

[vipergg]

Can't imagine how its load balancing the channel traffic would have any bearing on the problem you are seeing . I would check other stuff like how the ports are setup for speed and duplex for both the switchports "AND" specifically the server nic cards . They must match exactly , if you hardcode the switchport the server nic must be hardset to the same speed and duplex , if you leave them as auto then both sides must be auto . If its an IOS switch look for port errors using the "show interface counters errors " command .

 

[molecul3]

Thanks for the reply guys.

Basically no speed and duplex have been hardcoded. No port errors have been generated on both ports. Basically, the connection drops out with the port channel and teaming enabled. Removed the port-channel and set both ports to default and the teaming works fine. My first guess would be the configuration on the etherchannel... Config as below.. just for future reference, would it work with just the basic settings below or are more parameters needed?

interface Port-channel1
switchport mode access

interface GigabitEthernet1/0/4
switchport mode access
channel-group 1 mode on
spanning-tree portfast

interface GigabitEthernet2/0/4
switchport mode access
channel-group 1 mode on
spanning-tree portfast

 

[burtsbees]

switchport access vlan x

Do they belong to a vlan?

Burt

 

[mahanes]

interface Port-channel4
switchport
switchport access vlan 587
switchport trunk native vlan 587
switchport mode access

Is the setup I use in a 4510
Lot's is other variables.
Switch to switch
Switch to NIC team 2,4 cards
Type of cards & teaming software
I worked with a group og HP Mult-vendor support people
and Cisco for a couple of weeks on this issue so I
might be able to help a bit.

Scott