Lab 7: EtherChannel + Rapid-PVST — One Logical Link

Bundle lab · $29.99

Build an LACP Layer-2 EtherChannel between SW1 and SW2 so Rapid-PVST+ treats two parallel links as one logical Port-channel 7. Without EtherChannel, STP will block one of the two access links. With LACP active on both members and Port-channel 7 as an access port in VLAN 70, STP shows a single forwarding interface (Po7) and both physical links forward as one logical channel. Two hosts in VLAN 70 verify end-to-end connectivity.

Learning objectives

• Configure Rapid-PVST+ on Cisco IOS Layer-2 switches
• Bundle two parallel links with LACP using channel-group 7 mode active
• Build a Layer-2 access EtherChannel (Port-channel 7) for VLAN 70
• Validate that STP treats the bundle as one logical link (no blocked member ports)
• Verify EtherChannel state and Port-channel interface health with IOS show commands

Troubleshooting focus

• If the bundle does not form, confirm both ends use compatible modes (active/active for LACP) on the same channel-group number.
• Ensure member interfaces have consistent Layer-2 settings (both access in the same VLAN when the Port-channel is access, or both inherited from the Port-channel).
• Check that Rapid-PVST+ is enabled globally if you expect RSTP behavior and timers.
• Use show etherchannel summary and show spanning-tree vlan 70 to see whether STP is referencing Port-channel 7 or individual member ports.