Setting Up a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) Interface Between a Juniper EX2200 and a ZPE Systems Gate Services Router Using Fiber SFP
Overview
This knowledge base article outlines the process of configuring a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) interface between a Juniper EX2200 Ethernet switch and a ZPE Systems Gate Services Router using Fiber SFP modules. A LAG, also known as an aggregated Ethernet (AE) interface, combines multiple physical links into a single logical interface to enhance bandwidth, provide redundancy, and improve network resiliency. This guide assumes the use of compatible Fiber SFP modules for both devices and focuses on a manual configuration, with optional Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) setup for dynamic link management.
The process involves preparing the hardware, configuring the Juniper EX2200 to create an aggregated Ethernet interface, assigning Fiber SFP ports to the LAG, and mirroring the configuration on the ZPE Systems Gate Services Router. Key steps include verifying SFP compatibility, physically connecting the devices, configuring the LAG parameters, and testing the setup to ensure proper operation. By following this guide, network administrators can establish a robust, high-bandwidth connection between the two devices, leveraging the benefits of link aggregation over fiber optic links.
Prerequisites
Ensure hardware compatibility.
SFP modules are compatible with Gate SR and Juniper EX2200 (Vendor specific SFP are required in some cases)
Ensure the SFP type is compatible between the two endpoints. Fiber type, connector, wavelenght and reach. (In this test a Single Mode Fiber, 1310 nm, Intermediate Reach 10K is used at both ends)
Ensure the Fiber is the correct type (Single mode or multimode, in the sample, Single Mode fiber will be used) with the proper Connector type, in this case, LLC connector.
Physical Setup
Insert SFP"
Juniper ports: ge 0/1/0 and ge 0/1/1
Gate SR ports: sfp0 and sfp1
Install the fiber connecting the ports at each end as shown in the picture below
Juniper EX2200 Configuration
Configure a LAG interface
set interfaces ae0 aggregated-ether-options lacp passiveAssign Physical Interfaces to the LAG interface
user@ex2200# set interfaces ge-0/1/0 ether-options 802.3ad ae0
user@ex2200# set interfaces ge-0/1/1 ether-options 802.3ad ae0Configure the ae0 interface
user@ex2200# set interfaces ae0 unit 0 family ethernet-switching port-mode access
user@ex2200# set interfaces ae0 unit 0 family ethernet-switching vlan members test
VLAN test is vlan 10 and set for access in this example
Here is a subset of the configuration
ZPE Gate Servcies Router Configuration
Check SFP Status.
Navigate to Tracking :: Network :: Interface :: sfp0 and Tracking :: Network :: Interface :: sfp1
Configure the SFP Ports
Network :: Connections :: SFP0
No IPv4 Address, No IPv6 address and check connect automatically
Network :: Connections :: SFP1
No IPv4 Address, No IPv6 address and check connect automatically
Add a Bonding Interface
Navigate to Network Connections and add an interface. No IPv4 or IPv5 Address and set it to configure automatically
Bonding Mode set to 802.3ad (LACP) adding sfp0 and sfp1 interfaces to the aggregated interface
Verification and Testing
After saving the configuration, navigate to Network::Connecitons::and check if the LAG interface is up.
In Juniper use the command: show interfaces ae0 to verify the LAG status and operational state
show interfaces ae0
Physical interface: ae0, Enabled, Physical link is Up
Interface index: 128, SNMP ifIndex: 559
Description: LAG to GSR
Link-level type: Ethernet, MTU: 1514, Speed: 2Gbps, BPDU Error: None,
MAC-REWRITE Error: None, Loopback: Disabled, Source filtering: Disabled,
Flow control: Disabled, Minimum links needed: 1, Minimum bandwidth needed: 0
Device flags : Present Running
Interface flags: SNMP-Traps Internal: 0x4000
Current address: 64:64:9b:f9:82:03, Hardware address: 64:64:9b:f9:82:03
Last flapped : 2025-03-19 15:57:03 UTC (00:52:25 ago)
Input rate : 2048 bps (2 pps)
Output rate : 512 bps (1 pps)
Logical interface ae0.0 (Index 65) (SNMP ifIndex 560)
Flags: SNMP-Traps 0x4000 Encapsulation: ENET2
Statistics Packets pps Bytes bps
Bundle:
Input : 27 0 2332 0
Output: 1655 0 176963 0
Adaptive Statistics:
Adaptive Adjusts: 0
Adaptive Scans : 0
Adaptive Updates: 0
Protocol eth-switch
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