A load balancer dynamically load balances packets for network connections between clients and servers. When receiving a packet from a client that requests a new connection, the load balancer checks the current load of all the servers and selects the server most suitable to handle the new connection. The load balancer then forwards that packet to the selected server. If the server accepts the request for the new connection, then the server responds with an acknowledgement packet. The acknowledgement packet also includes the server's blade identification that the client uses for all subsequent packets on the accepted connection. When the load balancer receives a packet containing the blade identification, the load balancer forwards the packet to the server corresponding to the blade identification. Backup load balancers can therefore continue packet forwarding services in a smooth and efficient manner.