M-LAG technology provides inter-device link aggregation. M-LAG allows two access switches in the same state to perform inter-device link aggregation negotiation with a user-side device or server, improving link reliability from the card level to the device level. In addition, M-LAG devices can be upgraded separately to ensure the stability of service traffic. Therefore, M-LAG is widely used on data center networks.
Stacking and M-LAG Virtualization Technologies
Stacking and M-LAG technologies implement inter-device link aggregation to improve Layer 2 link utilization. The active-active gateway function of M-LAG improves Layer 3 link utilization. In addition, servers can connect to access devices in active/active mode through link aggregation.
Both M-LAG and stacking can solve problems on traditional data center networks. However, M-LAG is usually used to ensure service stability.
As two horizontal virtualization technologies that are widely used at the access layer of data center networks, stacking and M-LAG can implement redundant terminal access and link backup, improving the reliability and scalability of data center networks. Compared with stacking, M-LAG has higher reliability and the advantage of separately upgrading each member device.
The following figure compares the advantages and disadvantages of stacking and M-LAG. In scenarios that require a short service interruption time during an upgrade and high network reliability, you are advised to use M-LAG technology as the terminal access technology on your data center network.
For more information, see What is M-LAG
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