What is the definition of aggregation in networking?

Aggregation in networking refers to the practice of combining multiple network interfaces to create a single, larger network channel. This process increases bandwidth and helps improve overall network performance and reliability. By aggregating interfaces, data can be transmitted over several links simultaneously, which not only enhances speed but also provides redundancy; if one link fails, the other links can continue to carry the traffic.

This concept is particularly useful in environments where high data throughput is crucial, such as in data centers or for connecting high-capacity servers. Technologies such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) facilitate this method by enabling the dynamic bundling of interfaces.

In contrast, sharing traffic across multiple servers generally involves load balancing, and while that helps with managing requests, it does not pertain to the concept of aggregation in the context of enhancing a single data pathway. Utilizing a single interface for multiple VLANs refers to VLAN tagging techniques, which is a separate concept involving virtual networks rather than physical interface aggregation. Networking multiple switches together deals with topology and connectivity rather than the combination of interfaces for bandwidth increases.