What is a requirement for link aggregation?

For link aggregation to function correctly, it is essential that the speed of the member links must be the same. This requirement ensures that all links within the aggregation group can handle the same amount of traffic without causing issues such as uneven load distribution. If the speeds differ, the aggregation may not operate optimally, as the slower link would become a bottleneck, undermining the purpose of combining multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

In link aggregation scenarios, using links of varying speeds can lead to inefficient performance, impacting data flow and possibly causing out-of-order packet delivery. Consequently, maintaining uniformity in link speeds is critical for achieving the expected performance characteristics associated with link aggregation protocols.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of link aggregation, they do not encompass the fundamental requirement related directly to the speed of the member links, making speed consistency the key factor for successful link aggregation.