Patent ID: 8995277
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method implemented by a network element to improve load sharing for a link aggregation group by redistributing data flows to less congested ports in a set of ports associated with the link aggregation group, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a data packet in a data flow at an ingress port of the network element, the data packet having a destination external to the network element; performing a load sharing process to select an egress port of the network element; checking whether the selected egress port is congested; if the selected egress port is congested, then checking whether a time elapsed since a previous data packet in the data flow was received exceeds a threshold value, where the threshold value is an amount of time determined to ensure the previous data packet is able to reach the destination; if the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value, then: