Split multi-link trunking (SMLT) is an advanced form of multi-link trunking (MLT) that provides enhanced flexibility through bandwidth scaling and/or link aggregation. It avoids link failures and multiplexing a port among two switches.

Computer networks employ many techniques and procedures to improve the speed, capacity, redundancy and flexibility of data communication. Link aggregation or multi-link trunking is a productive technique significantly improving the performance and reliability of a network. It does this by allowing multiple physical network links between switches, which are coupled together as a single link for load balancing and improving redundancy. This provides an alternate link in the case of a failure. Links are selected using a load-balancing algorithm to determine the load and requirements of each packet sent.