What's the best switch port configuration for bonded NICs on a Cisco switch?
Asked by
TechieTurtle99
I'm setting up a server with bonded NICs that will connect to two different blades on the same switch. The server's OS will use an IP address in VLAN 9, while it will also host at least one VM in VLAN 5. I'm looking for advice on the best configuration for its switch port. Here are three options I'm considering, and I'd like feedback on which one works best (the second port will be set up the same way).
1. interface GigabitEthernet6/45
description FileShare-01 Bonded Port
switchport trunk native vlan 9
switchport trunk allowed vlan 5
spanning-tree portfast
end
2. interface GigabitEthernet6/45
description FileShare-01 Bonded Port
switchport trunk native vlan 9
switchport trunk allowed vlan 5
switchport mode trunk
spanning-tree portfast
end
3. interface GigabitEthernet6/45
description FileShare-01 Bonded Port
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport trunk native vlan 9
switchport trunk allowed vlan 5
spanning-tree portfast
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
end
Answers
None of the configurations properly address the bonding. If you're using bonded NICs, the load balancing mode plays a crucial role. LACP usually requires specific configurations. You might want to review that before finalizing your port setup.
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It would be helpful to know whether you're using LACP or static aggregation on the server side. Depending on that, the switch configuration can vary. Make sure you know which load balancing mode is implemented for your bonded NICs.
ServerNerd123: I haven't set the server up yet, but it’s going to be Windows 2025 Datacenter.
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For your scenario, the second option is fine as long as you're sure you need trunking. Just remember to set the right mode of bonding on the server once it’s up.
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ServerNerd123: I don’t have those details yet since the server isn’t running yet.