US Patent 11777853 Congestion-aware load balancing in data center networks

Example methods are provided for a first switch to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise: receiving probe packets from multiple next-hop second switches that connect the first switch with a third switch via multiple paths. The method may also comprise: processing congestion state information in each probe packet to select a selected next-hop second switch from the multiple next-hop second switches, the selected next-hop second switch being associated with a least congested path from the first switch to the third switch. The method may further comprise: in response to receiving data packets from a fourth switch that are destined for a destination connected with the third switch, sending the data packets to the selected next-hop second switch such that the data packets travel to the third switch along the least congested path.