Link Aggregation Types: Feature Comparison

Appendix A

Both trunk aggregations and datalink multipathing (DLMP) aggregations support nearly the same features to improve network performance. However, differences do exist. The following table presents a general comparison of the two types of link aggregation in Oracle Solaris.

Feature	Trunk Aggregations	DLMP Aggregations
Link-based failure detection	Supported	Supported
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)	Supported	Not supported
Use of standby interfaces	Not supported	Supported
Span multiple switches	Not supported unless using vendor proprietary solution	Supported
Switch configuration	Required	Not required
Policies for load balancing	Supported	Not applicable
Load spreading across all the aggregation's ports	Supported	Limited¹
User defined flows for resource management	Supported	Supported
Link protection	Supported	Supported
Back-to-back parallel configuration	Supported	Not supported²

¹The aggregation spreads its VNICs across all ports. However, individual VNICs cannot spread the load on multiple ports.

²DLMP aggregations must always use an intermediary switch to send packets to other destination systems. However, when using DLMP aggregations, do not configure the switch for link aggregation.

Skip Navigation Links
Exit Print View
	Managing Oracle Solaris 11.1 Network Performance Oracle Solaris 11.1 Information Library