Question 11 of 144
SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
A server has four 1 Gbps network interface cards (NICs) configured in a Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) team with a managed switch. The switch ports are confirmed to be correctly configured for LACP. However, during a file transfer test, the observed aggregate throughput is only about 2 Gbps. Which of the following should the administrator verify FIRST?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Examine the load-balancing algorithm on the server or switch
Option B is correct because LACP uses a load-balancing algorithm (hashing) to distribute traffic across member links. The default hash policy (e.g., Layer 2 based) may not utilize all links effectively for certain traffic patterns. Checking and adjusting the load-balancing algorithm (e.g., to Layer 2+3 or Layer 3+4) often resolves uneven distribution. Option A (drivers) could affect teaming but less likely if the team is formed. Option C (MTU) issues would typically cause fragmentation or performance problems, not simply limiting aggregate throughput. Option D (Spanning Tree) would block ports, not limit throughput. Option E (flow control) could affect performance but is not the most common cause of suboptimal LACP throughput.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the NIC drivers to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Driver updates are important for stability but are less likely to be the direct cause of uneven LACP throughput if the team is functional.
- ✓
Examine the load-balancing algorithm on the server or switch
Why this is correct
The hashing algorithm determines how traffic is distributed. An inappropriate algorithm can cause all traffic to use only a subset of links, resulting in less than the full aggregate bandwidth.
- ✗
Verify the MTU settings on the NICs and switch
Why it's wrong here
MTU mismatches usually cause packet fragmentation or connectivity issues, not specifically a 2Gbps limitation on a 4Gbps team.
- ✗
Check for Spanning Tree Protocol blockages
Why it's wrong here
Spanning Tree would block individual ports, preventing them from participating in the LAG, which would reduce total available links, not simply limit throughput per link.
Visual reference
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Last reviewed: Jul 26, 2026
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