Connect the internet router to the switch with 2 cables - eviltoast

Hey,

this may be a stupid question but is it possible to connect my cable modem/router to a switch with 2 cables at once to get a higher max throughput? The modem only has 4x1Gbps port. I cant image that this is feasible but maybe there is a possibility. Otherwise my total throughput is limited to 1 Gbps although my internet has 1.2 Gbps.

And an additional question, can I connect the router/modem to any port of the switch?

Thanks

  • noride@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    It’s pretty rare for a standard cable modem to support bonding (LACP), however some aftermarket ones do. It’s worth poking around in the settings to be sure. Most managed switches do, so you’re probably fine there.

    With that said, with rare exception, you still cannot exceed 1gbit for a single flow even with multiple 1gbit uplink interfaces, meaning you won’t see any improvements on individual devices, but could see improvements in your overall network performance.

    E. I can get in to the specifics of why that limitation exists on bonded interfaces if you’re interested, but didn’t want to bog you down with unnecessary minutiae.

  • Background-Marzipan8@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    If the router and switch both support LAGG then yes you can.

    It goes modem - router - switch - devices. Any port on the switch will work.

  • xbiker12@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    using multiple cables like that is called link aggregation. This requires BOTH devices to be capable of it. It only helps if you have multiple streams trying to cross that path as each stream gets assigned one cable.

    depending on the model of switch you have. some have a designated uplink port while most of the newer ones all the ports are the same and it doesn’t matter which one you use.

  • SamirD@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Generally, no. You’ll create a packet storm and the switch will disable a port or your network will crash from all the repeated traffic.

    LAGG is possible with some to increase bandwidth, but not more than what the isp provides.