split multi link trunk (Ethernet) (SMLT)
Split Multi LinkTrunk (SMLT) is a redundancy procedure in which network components are quickly switched to a substitute path. In contrast to the spanning tree protocol, SMLT offers faster switching, the procedure is scalable and uses the existing link paths more efficiently.
SMLT bundles multiple Ethernet lines into a multi link trunk( MLT), combining multiple physical ports into one logical port. With SMLT technology, one logical Ethernet link accesses two completely separate physical systems.
As an example, consider a floor switch connected to two separate backbone switches that are interconnected via multi link trunks. In this configuration, the two backbone switches behave as one switch and provide connectivity via the MLT in the event of a failure.
SMLT provides the highest possible redundancy compared to the other two multi-link trunk methods, MLT and DMLT. Initialization times and convergence are less than 1 s; it uses 100% of the links and provides load balancing.