Do you need a specialized switch for link aggregation?

[dpaanlka]

Do you need a specialized switch for link aggregation? Or will any switch work? I can't seem to find the answer to this (maybe because the answer is "no" and is thus not written about). I've never done it before so want to make sure what I need to buy. Thanks in advance!

 

[seek3r]

Do you need a specialized switch for link aggregation? Or will any switch work? I can't seem to find the answer to this (maybe because the answer is "no" and is thus not written about). I've never done it before so want to make sure what I need to buy. Thanks in advance!

yes, you need a switch that supports IEEE 802.3ad or IEEE 802.1AX-2008 (functionally the same thing, naming and management change). Not all switches do, though most "smart" and pretty much all managed switches should.

This should help:
Newegg search for 802.3ad

 

[dpaanlka]

Thank you very much. When I setup the aggregate on Mac OS X, do these switches recognize it automatically? Or do they require some setup on the switch-side also?

 

[PaulD-UK]

Hi
The Managed Switch will come with a software Management Control Panel.
You will probably need some in-depth understanding of IP allocation and other networking terms and troubleshooting procedures when you RTFM

 

[seek3r]

Hi
The Managed Switch will come with a software Management Control Panel.
You will probably need some in-depth understanding of IP allocation and other networking terms and troubleshooting procedures when you RTFM

Not necessarily for this though, if you set up a bonded link on the mac, most switches should recognize it without any config on that end.