Extended link aggregation (LAG) for use in multiple switches

In one embodiment, a method for providing link aggregation (LAG) to heterogeneous switches includes receiving, at a switch controller, LAG requests forwarded by switches and determining that multiple LAG requests corresponding to a server have been received, grouping the multiple LAG requests into LAG groups according to a switch from which they were received and correlating all the LAG groups with the server, instructing each of the switches to setup a LAG group with the server according to the LAG groups determined by the switch controller, and creating alternate flows that correspond to flows through each of the switches to the server through direction from the switch controller. The switches may rely upon OpenFlow to communicate with the switch controller, in some approaches. In addition, other methods for providing LAG to heterogeneous switches are also described, along with systems and computer program products which provide LAG to heterogeneous switches.