CLI Reference Guide

Configuring Load Sharing 225
Configuring Load
Sharing
A port group is a set of physical ports that function together as a single
link and provide load sharing and link redundancy. Only network ports
can participate in a port group.
Load Sharing The WX balances port group traffic among the group’s physical ports by
assigning traffic flows to ports based on the source and destination MAC
addresses of the traffic. The WX assigns a traffic flow to an individual port
in the group and uses the same port for all subsequent traffic for that
flow.
Link Redundancy A port group ensures link stability by providing redundant connections
for the same link. If an individual port in a group fails, the WX reassigns
traffic to the remaining ports. When the failed port starts operating
again, the WX begins using it for new traffic flows. Traffic that belonged
to the port before it failed continues to be assigned to other ports.
Configuration
Changes Based on
Port Groups
Layer 2 configuration changes apply collectively to a port group as a
whole but not to individual ports within the group. For example,
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) changes affect the entire port group rather
than individual ports. When you make Layer 2 configuration changes,
you can use a port group name in place of the port list. Ethernet port
statistics continue to apply to individual ports and not to port groups.
To configure load
sharing
To configure load sharing, use the following procedure.
1 Do one of the following:
 Open the WX Switch wizard, then select Port Group in the organizer
list of the System and Administrative page.
 In the Organizer panel, select Load Sharing under a WX switch, then
select Config > Insert. The Create Port Group wizard appears. Go to
step 3.
2 Select New Port Group. The Create Port Group wizard appears.
3 In the Port Group Name box, type the name of the port group (1 to 16
alphanumeric characters, with no spaces or tabs).
4 Click Next. The Port Group Selection page appears.