What does bonding refer to in Linux networking?

Bonding in Linux networking refers to the technique of aggregating multiple network interfaces into a single virtual network device. This method allows for increased bandwidth, improved redundancy, and enhanced load balancing. When multiple physical network interfaces are bonded, they can work together to provide a single connection that can handle more traffic than any individual interface alone. This is particularly useful in environments where high availability and performance are crucial, as it helps to distribute the network load evenly across all the bonded interfaces and provides failover capabilities if one link goes down.

By creating a bonded interface, network administrators can configure different modes such as round-robin, active-backup, or IEEE 802.3ad (LACP), each providing unique advantages depending on the network requirements. The ability to aggregate interfaces helps in optimizing resource usage and enhancing overall network performance.