Abstract: In one embodiment, packet flows are distributed among groups, such as, but not limited to, queues or links. For example in the context of a bundled interface in which multiple links appear as a single logical interface on each of the sender and receiver, packet flows are distributed among these multiple links by the sender. When one or more links become unavailable, packet flows of the affected links are reassigned to other active links, while packet flows assigned to the unaffected links remain associated with the same link in contrast to prior systems which do not attempt to preserve prior associations between packet flows and links. By maintaining these associations, the receiver of the packets does not need to adjust to the different arrival links of packet flows.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first device communicates with a second device, including sending and receiving one or more link bundle control packets and/or link control packets over a link bundle. The link bundle includes a plurality of links with each link being coupled between the first device and the second device for communicating information. These link bundle control packets are directed at the operation of the link bundle in its entirety; while the link control packets which are directed to the operation of a corresponding single particular link. The first device communicates with the second device, including operating the link bundle according to these one or more link bundle control packets and/or link control packets.

Abstract: In one embodiment, packet flows are distributed among groups, such as, but not limited to, queues or links. For example in the context of a bundled interface in which multiple links appear as a single logical interface on each of the sender and receiver, packet flows are distributed among these multiple links by the sender. When one or more links become unavailable, packet flows of the affected links are reassigned to other active links, while packet flows assigned to the unaffected links remain associated with the same link in contrast to prior systems which do not attempt to preserve prior associations between packet flows and links. By maintaining these associations, the receiver of the packets does not need to adjust to the different arrival links of packet flows.