3Com 3c17300 Implementation Guide - Page 28

30 CHAPTER 2: OPTIMIZING BANDWIDTH To avoid the potential problem of out-of-sequence packets (or "packet re-ordering"), the Switch ensures that all the conversations between a given pair of endstations will pass through the same port in the aggregated link. Single-to-multiple endstation conversations, on the other hand, may still take place over different ports. If the link state on any of the ports in an aggregated link becomes inactive due to link failure, then the Switch will automatically redirect the aggregated link traffic to the remaining ports. Aggregated links therefore provide built-in resilience for your network. Aggregated Link The example shown in Figure 5 illustrates an 4 Gbps aggregated link Example between two Switch units. Figure 5 A 4 Gbps aggregated link between two Switch units Switch 4228G 4 Gbps Aggregated Link Switch 4228G To set up this configuration: 1 Add the 1000BASE-T ports on the upper unit to the aggregated link. 2 Add the 1000BASE-T ports on the lower unit to the aggregated link. 3 Add the GBIC ports on the upper unit to the aggregated link. 4 Add the GBIC ports on the lower unit to the aggregated link. 5 Connect the 1000BASE-T port marked 'Up' on the upper Switch to the 1000BASE-T port marked 'Up' on the lower Switch.