A method and system for aggregating a plurality of links to simulate a unitary connection among one or more nodes in a fibre channel system includes means for striping data frames across the links. One or more programmable hardware mechanisms, operatively connectable to the links and to nodes in the fabric, also are provided. A program for collecting information about variable link characteristics is included. Programmable hardware mechanisms provide in-order delivery of data frames across the links despite the variable link characteristics.