In SLB, LBGs include server members identified by level-3 protocol (IP) addresses. Server members can be physical servers (server blades or rackmounted servers) or VMs with IP addresses assigned. Technically, server members in an LBG are multiple next hops of an ECMP route. Each LBG is identified by a VIP address that is used to represent the IP address of the virtual server. From the client network, the virtual server is highly available with dynamically reconfigurable resources. Load distribution is performed using the routing hash function of the switch. Load distribution policies are based on the contents of the L3/4 packet header. Failover is supported at the server member's level. A failed member within an LBG is replaced by another server member residing within the same LBG. A health check is performed by the switch using an ICMP ping.