What is the term for combining two network cards to function as a single unit?

The term for combining two network cards to function as a single unit is known as bonding. In networking, bonding refers specifically to the practice of linking multiple network interfaces together to create a single virtual interface. This process can help to achieve higher throughput, provide redundancy, and improve fault tolerance.

The concept of bonding allows for various modes of operation, such as load balancing and failover, where one card takes over if another fails. It enables a seamless experience for data transmission as both interfaces work together to manage data packets.

While link aggregation is often used interchangeably with bonding, it is a broader term that generally refers to combining multiple network connections. However, bonding is typically the term used in the context of Linux network configuration. Teaming is another approach typically found in Linux, which provides similar functionality but with greater flexibility and options for configuration, such as the ability to choose among different algorithms for balancing the load.

Bridging, on the other hand, involves connecting two or more network segments at the data link layer, allowing them to function as a single network. This does not involve combining interfaces in the same manner as bonding.

Thus, bonding is the most precise term for the process of combining two network cards into one logical interface, enhancing performance and reliability