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

IEEE 802.3 HSSG

802.3ad Link Aggregation

43.2.4 Frame Distributor

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This standard does not mandate any particular distribution algorithm(s);

however, any distribution algorithm shall ensure that, when frames are received

by a Frame Collector as specified in 43.2.3, the algorithm shall not cause

a) Mis-ordering of frames that are part of any given conversation, or

b) Duplication of frames.

The above requirement to maintain frame ordering is met by ensuring that all

frames that compose a given conversation are transmitted on a single link in

the order that they are generated by the MAC Client; hence, this requirement

does not involve the addition (or modification) of any information to the MAC

frame, nor any buffering or processing on the part of the corresponding Frame

Collector in order to re-order frames.

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