A method of load balancing data packets at an array is disclosed. The method includes receiving a data packet encoded in a first format at an input of the array. The received data packet is assigned to an assigned element of the array, and the data packet is routed to a device. A message encoded in a second format is received from the device at the array. Information is extracted from a payload portion of the message, and the message is assigned to the assigned element of the array based on the information extracted from the payload portion of the message.