Performance Evaluation of Ethernet Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) Using Real-World Internet Traffic Traces

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, link aggregation (LAG) has been a common strategy for deferring the adoption of high-speed interfaces while preserving the functionality of current Ethernet infrastructure. LAG can facilitate an incremental bandwidth enhancement by consolidating many lines into a single logical link thereby increasing the link effective bandwidth. Consequently, clients may defer their network deployment until prices decrease and the new equipment software is stabilized and rigorously tested. Prior to the IEEE 802.3ad standard, various proprietary vendor solutions were available. The IEEE establishes a maximum of eight full-duplex connections of same speed between two directly connected devices. Notwithstanding the widespread implementation of LAG in modern networks, its true effectiveness on real-world traffic is predominantly unrecorded. LAG may excel in even traffic distribution; yet, its effectiveness in practical traffic scenarios remains ambiguous. This article evaluates and assesses LAG performance using real Internet traffic. A cost analysis has been performed, and a recommendation concerning the timing of a 10x upgrade has been issued.