LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
A network administrator wants to improve network performance by bonding two gigabit Ethernet interfaces (eth0 and eth1) on a Linux server. The switch supports IEEE 802.3ad (LACP). Which bonding mode should be used to provide both load balancing and fault tolerance?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse 'load balancing' with 'round-robin' (mode 0) or 'XOR' (mode 2), but the key requirement for LACP support and both load balancing and fault tolerance points specifically to 802.3ad mode 4.
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
✓
802.3ad (mode 4)
(802.3ad mode 4) is correct because it uses the IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to negotiate with the switch, providing both load balancing (based on a configurable hash policy) and fault tolerance (if a link fails, traffic is redistributed among the remaining links). This mode is specifically designed for switches that support LACP, as stated in the question.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
active-backup (mode 1)
Why it's wrong here
Only one slave active at a time; provides fault tolerance but no load balancing.
- ✗
balance-xor (mode 2)
Why it's wrong here
Uses XOR of MAC addresses; not dynamically negotiated with switch, may not work with LACP.
- ✗
balance-rr (mode 0)
Why it's wrong here
Round-robin without LACP; can cause out-of-order packets and does not negotiate with the switch.
- ✓
802.3ad (mode 4)
Why this is correct
Standard LACP mode; dynamically negotiates aggregation with switch, providing both load balancing and fault tolerance.
- ✗
balance-tlb (mode 5)
Why it's wrong here
Adaptive transmit load balancing; does not use LACP, receive load balancing not supported by switch.
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