Preparing to Create an Aggregate Line Description

Before you create an aggregate line description, select the Ethernet resources to be aggregated. Up to eight ports can be aggregated in one line description.

  • None of the ports can be in use by another line description, LAN console, or remote support.
  • Virtual Ethernet ports (type 268C) are not supported in an aggregate line description.
  • A Host Ethernet Adapter (HEA) logical port, native SR-IOV logical port, or virtual NIC (VNIC) port is only supported if it is the only logical port on its corresponding physical port, and if the aggregate line uses the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) by specifying *LNKAGG in the Aggregate Policy (AGGPCY) for the line description. Any other configuration can prevent the link partner from detecting faults, causing lost packets.
  • All of the ports must support full duplex and the preferred line speed. Each port must support 1 Gbps or higher, even if that is not the preferred line speed.
  • All of the ports must be connected to the same link partner (switch).
  • If you use static aggregation (*ETHCHL), all of the corresponding ports on the link partner must be configured in a common static aggregation. If you use LACP (*LNKAGG), configure all of the corresponding ports on the link partner with LACP and share a common key.

IBM® i Link Aggregation supports static aggregation (*ETHCHL) with any link partner, and supports LACP (*LNKAGG) with Cisco and IBM Networking switches. Other LACP-capable link partners might work, but are not officially supported.

No more than 255 aggregate line descriptions can exist in the partition. If more are wanted, delete existing aggregate line descriptions.