Link load balancer that controls a path for a client to connect to a resource

Abstract

A system, apparatus, and method are directed to managing network communications between a client and a server by enabling the client to make decisions involving the selection of alternate network paths. The client and/or the server may be multi-homed to a network. In one embodiment, a link load balancer provides the client with a message and/or path data that enables the client to improve its connections with the server by redirecting network packets using an alternate network path. The message may be based on a static policy at the server, changes in availability of the network connections between the client and server, changes in a quality of the network connections, paths, or the like. Redirecting the network packet by the client may include closing one network connection and establishing another network connection, and/or employing an available alternate network path to re-route network packets towards the server.