Ethernet port aggregation between two devices allows your devices to treat multiple Ethernet links as if they were a single link. Combining two network connections for allows you to increase network bandwidth and provide network redundancy between your devices if one link fails.
To use Ethernet port aggregation, the devices that are connected with aggregated ports must support Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). Not all devices support LACP. For more information, see What are link aggregation and LACP and how can I use them in my network?
NETGEAR devices like routers and cable modems can support two types of aggregate connections: local area network (LAN) aggregation, and wide area network (WAN) aggregation.
- LAN aggregation is associated with client devices on your home network. LAN aggregation combines multiple network connections from your router to a client device. The benefits of LAN aggregation include more throughput and bandwidth for connected devices and network redundancy if one link fails. LAN aggregation might be useful if you have a client device that needs a lot of bandwidth or is critical to your home network, like a switch that connects to many different devices or a network-attached storage (NAS) system.
- WAN aggregation is associated with your cable modem. WAN aggregation combines multiple network connections from your modem to your router. As a result, an aggregated WAN connection provides seamless connectivity and the maximum possible Internet speed to your home network. WAN aggregation might be useful if you have a multi-gig Internet connection but your modem does not have a Multi-Gig Ethernet or 2.5G Multi-Gig Ethernet port.
If you’re not sure if your device supports LAN or WAN aggregation, check its specifications. Some devices might only support one type of Ethernet port aggregation.
For more information:
- What is multi-gig Internet?
- How do I set up LAN Ethernet port aggregation on my NETGEAR Nighthawk router?
- How do I set up WAN Ethernet port aggregation on my NETGEAR Nighthawk multi-gig speed cable modem?
- How do I set up WAN Ethernet port aggregation on my NETGEAR Nighthawk router?