I have 3 different servers in my lan, a Procurve 2724 24 port Gigabit switch, and a trendnet 8 port gigabit switch.

I have at least 2 gigabit nics in each server. I would LIKE to create a bridge in each server utilizing both gigabit nics to create a single bridge device, br0. My goal is to utilize each bridge and the gigabit switches to create a link between each device with a theoritcal max throughput of 2Gbps (~250MBs).

Now this is where I need some assistance, as I have no formal network training (i.e. CCNA), aside from entry level soho technical support.

In order to fully utilize the bandwidth of each bridge, I immagine I would need to ensure each bridge is utilizing both ethernet nics, and therefore would require each nic to have an active link to the main switch.

Here is where I run into trouble. According to the Initial setup guide for the 2724:

"In addition, you should make sure that your network topology contains no data path loops. Between any two end nodes, there should be only one active cabling path at any time. Data path loops will cause broadcast storms that will severely impact your network performance."

My setup looks something like this:

http://i.imgur.com/ABCCAXA.png

I am using the 8 port to server 1 for cabling concerns (I don't have enough cables long enough to reach the 24 port from server 1). Otherwise, I would simply connect everything to the 24 port.

Will this flood my lan with broadcasts?

With this setup, I couldn't dhcpcd from server 1--this was without server 2 or 3 being online. The 2724 is not a managed switch, so there shouldn't be anything going on there.

Any help is appreciated!

Based on what you state, I think you want to make a bond device (bond0). That would allow 2 NICs to function as one on the same LAN.

Jesus I am so retarded, thank you nmo!

So, the issue I am running into is I wish to inter-connect these two un-managed switches into the same LAN. I know I could simply connect one link between them, however if I am going to use link aggregation/port-trunking/ on my interfaces, I'm not exactly sure how I would interface the 2 switches.

From everything I read, If I wish to use link aggregation between 2 switches, they need to be managed switches--specifically, they need to support 802.3d spec.

Now that I fully understand the difference between a network bridge and a bond, here is what I propose: can I use one of my servers as a interconnect between the two switches, and bridge the bonds together?

Here is a diagram of what I envision: http://i.imgur.com/Co4flzC.png

Again, any input is greatly appreciated!

I believe that should work. You can create a bridge with bond interfaces. The thing that may be an issue would be the mode on your bond interfaces. Unless your switches understand you may not be able to use some of the advanced bonding modes and get additional speed.