Method for integrated load balancing among peer servers

A method for balancing network loads directed to a group of servers, comprising:

• using a group of load balancing modules, each coupled to one server in said group of servers and through an internal network to each of the other load balancing modules, to couple external network messages to each server, and
• using a first of said load balancing modules to receive an external network message and route the message through said internal network to a server selected according to a priority system.

A system for load balancing network loads among a group of servers, comprising:

• a group of load balancing module means, one coupled to each server in the group of servers, for receiving an external network message and coupling the message to the server to which it is coupled or to another load balancing module means in accordance with a priority system, and
• priority means for selecting a server which is to receive the next external network message.