iMac with Link Aggregation using Thunderbolt to Ethernet?

[nemesis379]

Was wondering if anyone has tried to use Link Aggregation using Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter with a Synology NAS and has seen any speed increase?

Thanks.

 

[fortysomegeek]

There is no speed increase with LAGG. that is a misconception. You will only benefit if multiple clients hit your NAS. It will tier the connection to an available port. But if you are only using one client-to-nas, there is no benefit.

And yes. LAGG does work but it is a hassle to delete/re-create the trunked bond connection. You can't seem to set different location profiles. One for Lagg and another for just ethernet only.

 

[mmomega]

I just connected on my '12 Mac Mini server and it was surprisingly easy to set up.

I have a 3TB Time Capsule
2012 Mac Mini
1 Line connected from Mini Ethernet to TC
1 Line connected from Thunderbolt - Ethernet Adaptor to TC

Open System Prefs
Go to Network
Click the sprocket/drop down menu and choose Manage Virtual Interfaces
Click + to add a new Link Agrregate
Name the Bond and choose to bon the ethernet and TB adaptor

Within seconds the new bond showed in the network devices list and was working.


I have not conducted any "speed" tests as of yet but should have something up soon.

 

[fortysomegeek]

To test your throughput, download iperf.
It is cross platform.

You can simulate single and double load. You'll notice with one client, it will be the same. It is one you have more than one guest is where you will see the benefit of LAGG.

Also, this set-up is only really good for stationary machines like the iMac. For macbooks, it could be cumbersome if you move around different locations and want to go back to a single ethernet. If you create a new location, you'll notice you don't have an ethernet port anymore. Just your new Lagg bonded set-up. If you delete your lagg in the new location and go back to your old location, the lagg setup will also be removed.

Basically, you can't have location 1 w/ lagg and location 2 with just single etherent.

I just connected on my '12 Mac Mini server and it was surprisingly easy to set up.

I have a 3TB Time Capsule
2012 Mac Mini
1 Line connected from Mini Ethernet to TC
1 Line connected from Thunderbolt - Ethernet Adaptor to TC

Open System Prefs
Go to Network
Click the sprocket/drop down menu and choose Manage Virtual Interfaces
Click + to add a new Link Agrregate
Name the Bond and choose to bon the ethernet and TB adaptor

Within seconds the new bond showed in the network devices list and was working.


I have not conducted any "speed" tests as of yet but should have something up soon.

 

[Avery1]

Fortysomegeek,

Question -- if using multiple VMs (say 4) (vmware fusion), would you have any benefit from using link aggregation at the host (say an imac) and 2 links? Debating whether NAS will be a workable solution, and if you have any knowledge that would be helpful.

Thanks!