IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation (LAG): what it is, and what it is not

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IEEE 802.3 HSSG
Improving Link Aggregation
• Why not inspect headers deep into a packet?
– Futile if packets are encrypted
– Layer 2 LAG would need to parse upper layer protocol header
formats (layering violation)
• Why not change the packet format?
– Requires a new 802.3 MAC definition
– Requires a new 802.3 MAC client interface
• Why not add LARGE buffers to the receiver?
– Adds LONG delay
• Fixing LAG is neither easy, or rewarding