Question: To setup uplink ports from network switch in trunk mode vs putting them in a port-channel?
We use Dell N series and PowerConnect switches in our agency. We are installing a new rack for our servers. Currently we are specifying the uplink ports to be part of a port-channel back to our core switch. If there is only (currently) one uplink connection is it better to leave the ports in the port-channel or just specify them as trunk ports?
interface Te1/0/1
channel-group 1 mode active
description "Uplink to Core"
exit
interface port-channel 1
classofservice trust ip-dscp
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk native vlan 10
exit
vs
interface Te1/0/1
classofservice trust ip-dscp
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk native vlan 10
description "Uplink to Core"
exit
Would initially setting up the switches with the port-channel allow for easier expansion in the future without interruptions if we decided we needed more bandwidth?
Update: Decided to go with LACP between the the switches just in case we needed to add more bandwidth in the future. This rack that I am setting up is for a healthcare agency. There will be iSCSI traffic going across these switches as well as additional user traffic.
Best Answer
I would suggest using Port-channel if you intend to add more links in near future. You have enabled LACP which will take care of additional links once added.
HTH