Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving a Diameter message at the DRA from an origin device; encountering an instruction to perform load balancing; locating an applicable load balancing pool of a plurality of load balancing pools for the Diameter message; identifying a pool host from the applicable load balancing pool to receive the Diameter message; modifying a destination address of the Diameter message to include an address of the identified pool host; and transmitting the Diameter message based on the modified destination address.