Abstract: A method for Ethernet packet load balancing includes receiving a transmit packet for transmission on an Ethernet network. An offload adapter identifies a least busy port from a plurality of ports indicated in a port list, based on a byte count associated with each of the plurality of ports. The offload adapter determines whether the identified least busy port is in a working status. In the event an identified least busy port is in a working status, the offload adapter assigns the transmit packet to the identified least busy port and increments the byte count associated with the identified least busy port. In the event an identified least busy port is not in a working status, the offload adapter updates the port list and, based on a determination that there are additional working ports, assigns the transmit packet to one of the additional working ports.

Abstract: A method for Ethernet packet load balancing includes receiving a transmit package for transmission on an Ethernet network. An offload adapter identifies a least busy port from a plurality of ports indicated in a port list, based on a byte count associated with each of the plurality of ports. The offload adapter determines whether the identified least busy port is in a working status. In the event the identified least busy port is in a working status, the offload adapter assigns the transmit packet to the identified least busy port and increments the byte count associated with the identified least busy port. In the event the identified least busy port is not in a working status, the offload adapter updates the port list and, based on a determination that there are additional working ports, assigns the transmit packet to one of the additional working ports.

Abstract: A method to dynamically adjust the number of active Ethernet adapters in a EtherChannel group, the method including: monitoring a total EtherChannel throughput; determining availability of unused Ethernet adapters if the throughput is above a first predetermined throughput; powering up and adding an unused Ethernet adapter to the EtherChannel group if the throughput is above the first predetermined throughput; powering down and removing an active Ethernet adapter from the EtherChannel group if the throughput is less than the second predetermined throughput; and continue monitoring the total EtherChannel throughput after sleeping for a selected period of time. Accordingly, when an adapter is removed from the EtherChannel group, power to the removed adapter is cut off to reduce power consumption and reduce generation of thermal heat, thus increasing a potential lifespan of the plurality of adapters.