Creating a Link Aggregation Group
This topic describes Port link aggregation groups (LAGs), steps through how to add a Port to a LAG, and how to convert a non-LAG Port to a LAG Port.
A LAG bundles physical ports to create a single data path, where the traffic load is distributed among the ports to increase overall connection reliability. This feature provides aggregate bandwidth, enhanced resiliency, and efficient use of resources. Other terms used to describe a LAG include port trunking, link bundling, and channel bonding.
When you order a new Port that is 10 Gbps or higher, enabling the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) allows you to use it in a LAG. We recommend that you enable LACP even if you only require a single Port at that time. This prevents service interruption if later you decide to enable LACP on the Port. You can combine up to 8 physical Ports into a single LAG, and the Port price will update dynamically based on any additional Ports. All Ports within the LAG use the same Layer 2 MAC address. For details on how to create a Port, see Creating a Port.
Multiple Ports in a LAG configuration with multiple physical cross-connects reduce potential single points of failure that will stop the network from working if they go down. For example, networks using small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports or optics.
This figure shows the overall design of a LAG configuration:
Port LAG specifications
| Specification | Port |
|---|---|
| Protocol | LACP (IEEE 802.1AX or previous IEEE 802.3ad standards) |
| Interface | 10GBASE-LR (10 Gbps) or 100GBASE-LR4 (100 Gbps) |
| Maximum number of interfaces in a single LAG | 8 |
Port LAG restrictions
- Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MC-LAG) across multiple devices is not supported.
- The LAG speed must be 10 Gbps or higher. 1 Gbps Ports are not supported in LAGs.
- LACP System Priority must be set to a value higher than 0 on your equipment for LACP to function correctly.
Bandwidth limitations
The available total bandwidth of a LAG is the sum of all Ports in the LAG. Virtual Cross Connect (VXC) bandwidth is still limited to the maximum bandwidth of any single Port in the LAG. However, local Ports in the same metro area as Internet Exchange (IX) services don’t have this limitation. You can configure IX services to use the total amount of bandwidth capacity from all members in a LAG.
Configuring a LAG pair for diversity
When you create a new LAG, you can make it diverse from an existing LAG or create a diverse pair of LAGs at the same time, with one in each diversity zone. For details on Port diversity, see Port Diversity.
Note
It is not possible to change a LAG diversity zone after placing the order. To do this, you must cancel and re-order the LAG.
To configure a LAG pair for diversity
- In the Megaport ONE Portal, choose Networking > Services.
- Click Create and select Port.
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Specify a location for the Port.
Search for your preferred data center using the Country drop-down list, or enter a search term to filter results as you type. Click Clear Filters to reset the filters. Note that you can only deploy a Port in a billing market you have already enabled.
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Specify the Port Configuration details:
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Port Name – Specify a name for the Port that is easily identifiable, particularly if you plan on having more than one Port.
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Port Speed – Select 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps from the Port Speed drop-down list (100 Gbps is available in some locations). Ensure that your equipment is capable of interfacing with the selected speed.
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Port Diversity – Select a diversity option from the drop-down list. You can create two diverse Ports or choose an existing Port for the new Port to be diverse from. For details on configuring Port diversity, see Port Diversity.
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LACP and LAG Ports – Click Enabled to add the Port as a member of a LAG. To enable LACP, the Port speed must be 10 Gbps or higher. Specify the number of Ports to include in the LAG, up to a maximum of 8.
The monthly price updates dynamically based on your selections. (Note that some partner managed (client) accounts do not display the pricing details.)
Note
Partner-managed accounts can apply a Partner Deal to a service.
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Provide billing details for the Port:
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Service Level Reference (optional) – Specify a unique identifying number for the Port to be used for billing purposes, such as a cost center number or a unique customer ID. The service level reference number appears for each service under the Product section of the invoice. You can also edit this field for an existing service.
Note
A VXC associated with the Port is not automatically updated with the Port service level reference number.
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Minimum Term – Select 1 month, 12 months, 24 months, or 36 months. Longer terms result in a lower monthly rate. By default, a 12 month term is selected.
Note
Partner and partner-managed accounts cannot view or change Port contract terms.
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Promo Code – If you have a promo code, enter it and click Add Code.
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Click Create Port.
The Review LAG screen shows LACP enabled. The monthly charge reflects both LAGs. -
Click Confirm to deploy the new LAGs now.
After the LAGs are provisioned, Megaport generates a Letter of Authorization (LOA) specifying the demarcation point to be applied to your service.
To view the LOA
- Click the new LAG on the Networking > Services page.
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Click Download LOA.
Megaport will also send you the LOA PDF by email. Provide the LOAs to your data center operator to establish the physical cross connects from your network device to your new Ports.Note
You cannot download an LOA for a LAG while it is still provisioning, or if it has been cancelled.
Once the LAGs have been deployed, you have access to the Megaport network and can start adding Virtual Cross Connects (VXCs) to the LAG. For details on adding VXCs, see Creating a VXC.
Note
The cost of a new cross connection and any related VXC fees are the responsibility of the customer, as outlined in Megaport ONE’s Global Services Agreement.
Converting a non-LAG Port
To convert a non-LAG Port to a LAG, send a request to Megaport Support to manually convert the Port. Make sure to identify the Port in your request.