Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What configuration parameters must match on all interfaces in an EtherChannel bundle?
Speed, duplex, VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) assignment (or trunk mode with matching native/allowed VLANs), and EtherChannel protocol mode.
All member ports must match:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Speed | All ports must be the same speed |
| Duplex | All ports must use the same duplex mode |
| VLAN | All ports in the same VLAN, or all configured as trunks |
| Native VLAN | If trunking, native VLAN must match on all ports |
| Allowed VLANs | If trunking, the allowed VLAN range must be identical |
| Interfaces | Don't need to be physically contiguous |
Configuration hierarchy:
- Configuration applied to the port channel interface → automatically affects all member ports
- Configuration applied to an individual physical interface → does NOT propagate to the port channel
- Always configure settings on the port channel interface, not on individual member ports, to avoid inconsistencies
The port channel can operate as:
- Access mode (single VLAN)
- Trunk mode (most common)
- Routed port (Layer 3)
Go deeper:
EtherChannel Configuration (Network Direction) — the must-match list (speed/duplex, mode, allowed/native VLAN, STP type) and the err-disable consequence.- Cisco Switch EtherChannel Configuration (Networks Training) — matching protocol/mode and consistent parameters across both switches.