## **Objective**

Implementation of **EtherChannel (Port-Channel)** between the distribution switches to:

- provide redundant Layer 2 connections
- bundle bandwidth across multiple physical links
- create a stable foundation for STP and HSRP
- correctly implement the required L2 topology

---

## **1. EtherChannel Design**

- EtherChannel only between distribution switch pairs
- Trunk mode on all Port-Channels
- Consistent VLAN forwarding
- Two variants according to task requirements:
    - HQ1: dynamic using **LACP**
    - HQ2: static without negotiation
- Native VLAN on HQ1 trunks: **VLAN 888**

---

## **2. EtherChannel with LACP (HQ1: DS1 ↔ DS2)**

### **Design**

- Port-Channel ID: 12
- Physical interfaces: G0/2, G1/0
- Protocol: LACP (active / active)
- Load balancing: source-destination IP

### **Configuration Principle**

### **Load Balancing (Global, both switches)**

```
port-channel load-balance src-dst-ip
```

### **Physical Interfaces**

```
interface range GigabitEthernet0/2 , GigabitEthernet1/0
 switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
 switchport mode trunk
 switchport trunk native vlan 888
 channel-group 12 mode active
 no shutdown
```

### **Port-Channel Interface**

```
interface Port-channel12
 switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
 switchport mode trunk
 switchport trunk native vlan 888
 no shutdown
```

---

## **3. Static EtherChannel (HQ2: DS3 ↔ DS4)**

### **Design**

- Port-Channel ID: 34
- Physical interfaces: G0/2, G1/0
- No dynamic negotiation
- Static mode (on)
- Trunk operation

### **Configuration Principle**

### **Physical Interfaces**

```
interface range GigabitEthernet0/2 , GigabitEthernet1/0
 switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
 switchport mode trunk
 channel-group 34 mode on
 no shutdown
```

### **Port-Channel Interface**

```
interface Port-channel34
 switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
 switchport mode trunk
 no shutdown
```

---

## **4. Verification**

```
show etherchannel summary
show interfaces port-channel brief
show interfaces trunk
```

Expected:

- Port-Channel status **SU**
- All intended interfaces bundled
- Trunk active, VLANs correctly allowed
- In HQ1: LACP visible as protocol