Apparatus and method for querying replicated databases

A method of distributing queries to a plurality of replicated databases in a network, the network having a signaling system that interconnects a system switch through at least one signaling transfer point with the plurality of replicated databases, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a round-robin control table for controlling query database destinations, the round-robin control table having a plurality of index numbers, point codes, and subsystem numbers, each of the plurality of point codes and the plurality of subsystem numbers being associated with at least one of the plurality of index numbers and with at least one of the plurality of replicated databases;
• entering a first database query;
• determining if controlled routing is required by the first database query;
• selecting an address associated with a search index number if controlled routing is required by the first database query, the address comprising the point code and the subsystem number that are associated with the one of the plurality of index numbers, the plurality of index numbers including the search index number;
• and
• querying the point code and the subsystem number of a first replicated database at the address, the plurality of replicated databases including the first replicated database.

A network for providing loadsharing using round-robin querying, the network comprising:

• a plurality of replicated databases including a first replicated database;
• a round-robin routing table having a plurality of index numbers including a first index number, point codes, and subsystem numbers, each of the plurality of point codes and the plurality of subsystem numbers being associated with at least one of the plurality of index numbers and with at least one of the plurality of replicated databases;
• and
• at least one translator node for responding to incoming queries by incrementing the first index number to generate a search index number wherein the search index number is associated with the first replicated database, incrementing the search index number if the first replicated database is previously queried, searching the round-robin routing table according to the search index number, and querying the point code and the subsystem number of the first replicated database to set an address.