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IntermediatePublished 2026-07-02

EtherChannel Load Balancing with LACP (VLAN 60)

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Build a two-link LACP EtherChannel between two layer-2 switches as an access port for VLAN 60, then tune the global load-balancing algorithm to src-dst-ip so traffic distributes more evenly. Verify Po6 status, the hashing method, and end-to-end host reachability.

Track
Est. time
35 minutes
Difficulty
Intermediate
Topics

Learning objectives

  • Create a Layer-2 EtherChannel using LACP with channel-group 6 mode active on both member links
  • Configure the logical Port-channel 6 as a VLAN 60 access port
  • Change the global EtherChannel hashing algorithm to src-dst-ip on both switches
  • Verify EtherChannel state and hashing with IOS show commands
  • Validate end-to-end host connectivity within VLAN 60

Troubleshooting focus

  • If Po6 does not form, confirm both ends use LACP (mode active/active) and the same channel-group number.
  • Check that all member interfaces have consistent switchport parameters with the Port-channel (both access VLAN 60).
  • If traffic pins to one link, confirm the global port-channel load-balance method is set to src-dst-ip on both switches.
  • Use show etherchannel 6 port-channel to identify inconsistent parameters or suspended members.

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How this lab is graded
  • Build it your way. Where a lab lets you choose a value — a VLAN name, an interface description — grading checks that you configured it, not which name you picked. Names that another line has to reference, like an ACL applied with access-class, are stated in the guide and do have to match.
  • Addresses, modes and protocol keywords are exact. An IP address, a subnet mask, switchport mode trunk, an encapsulation — these carry the meaning of the lab, so they are graded as written in the guide.
  • Grading reads your saved configuration. Export the lab from CML after you have configured it, and make sure anything you set is in the running-config — a change that only exists in a terminal session never reaches the grader.
  • You can submit as many times as you like. Your best score stands, and each attempt tells you which checks passed so you can work the gaps.
  • Scored something you believe is correct? Use Report an issue on this page — that is exactly how the grading fixes in the changelog got found.

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