port aggregation

Using multiple transmission paths between network devices in order to increase transmission speed. Port aggregation between a server and a switch requires multiple network adapters (NICs) in the server or adapters with multiple ports. Each server port hooks up to a switch port, and the port aggregation software is typically in the server. When port aggregation is provided between switches, the software is in the switches. Also called "link aggregation," "trunking" and "multilink trunking."

A Fatter Pipe

Port aggregation provides a "fatter pipe" between the network device and the server. In this example, three multiport network adapters in the server are connected to a switch. The red pipe in the center is conceptual, as each line is connected separately between the devices.

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