EtherChannel Mode Simulator
Select modes on each switch to see if an EtherChannel will form:
Protocol:
LACP (802.3ad)
PAgP (Cisco)
Switch A
Port-channel 1
Switch B
Select modes on both switches to see the result
How it works: EtherChannel requires compatible modes on both ends. At least one side must actively initiate the negotiation (active/desirable) unless using static "on" mode.
Mode Compatibility Matrix
Quick reference for which mode combinations form an EtherChannel:
LACP Compatibility
| Switch A ↓ / Switch B → | Active | Passive | On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active |  Yes |
Yes |
 No |
| Passive | Yes |
No |
No |
| On | No |
No |
Yes |
PAgP Compatibility
| Switch A ↓ / Switch B → | Desirable | Auto | On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desirable | Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Auto | Yes |
No |
No |
| On | No |
No |
Yes |
Important: LACP and PAgP are NOT compatible with each other! You cannot mix active/passive with desirable/auto across switches.
Key Rules to Remember
- At least one initiator: One side must be active (LACP) or desirable (PAgP)
- Passive + Passive = No channel: Neither side initiates
- On mode is dangerous: Only use with matching "on" on other side
- Don't mix protocols: LACP only works with LACP, PAgP only with PAgP
EtherChannel Config Builder
Build your EtherChannel configuration step by step:
! EtherChannel Configuration
! Generated by Hexworth Prime