PAgP vs LACP
EtherChannel protocol allows ports with similar characteristics to form a Bundle through dynamic negotiation(LACP and PAgP) or Forceful enforcement (ON) with connected network devices.
While configuring EtherChannel across devices (Switches/Routers), 2 most widely used negotiation protocols are PAgP and LACP. While PAgP is Cisco proprietary, LACP is Open standard and supported by most of the vendors.
Related – EtherChannel Modes
In order to configure EtherChannel through PAgP, Auto and Desirable are the keywords used while LACP uses Active and Passive modes.
Related – LACP Beginners Guide
In fact, the multicast address used by both Negotiation modes are dissimilar – PAgP uses “01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC” and LACP uses “01-80-c2-00-00-02”
Difference between PAGP and LACP
A detailed comparison between both PAGP vs LACP is enlisted in the below table –
| PARAMETER | PAGP | LACP |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation for | Port Aggregation Protocol | Link Aggregation Control Protocol |
| Standard | Cisco Proprietary | Open Standard (IEEE 802.3ad) |
| Configuration Modes | * Auto * Desirable | * Active * Passive |
| Multicast Address | 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC | 01-80-c2-00-00-02 |
| Supported by | Etherchannel | Etherchannel and 802.3ad |
| Year of Introduction | Invented in the early 1990s | IEEE passed 802.3ad (LACP) In year 2000 |
| Configuration | Switch(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode | Switch(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode |
Download the difference table here.
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I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
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