MLAG
Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group (MLAG) enables multiple switches to operate as a single logical switch, providing redundancy, high availability, and load balancing in network deployments.
MLAG allows two or more switches to aggregate links and present themselves as a single logical entity to connected devices. This configuration ensures seamless failover, continuous connectivity, and optimal bandwidth utilization, even if one switch or link fails.
Path selection is typically determined by a hashing algorithm applied to packet header fields, ensuring that flows remain consistent and packet order is preserved. MLAG is protocol-agnostic and works with routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, making it highly scalable and adaptable to large, dynamic networks.
Common use cases include data centers, enterprise networks, and service provider infrastructures where high availability and efficient bandwidth utilization are critical. Best practices involve monitoring path health, tuning hash algorithms for optimal flow distribution, and ensuring routing protocol compatibility.