A system for distributing network traffic among direct hardware access datapaths, comprising: a processor; one or more activated PNICs; a host operating system; and a virtual machine (VM). Each activated PNIC sends and receives data packets over a network. Each activated PNIC is configured with a virtual function. The VM includes a VNIC and a virtual link aggregator configured to maintain a list identifying each activated PNIC. Virtual function mappings for the VM associate the VM with virtual functions for the activated PNICs. The virtual link aggregator selects the first activated PNIC for servicing a network connection and determines a virtual function for the first activated PNIC. The VNIC for the first activated PNIC uses the virtual function to directly transfer network traffic for the network connection between the VM and the first activated PNIC.