Abstract: A method and system for directing data packets from an origin node to a destination node in a multipath communication network having a plurality of nodes, where each node is connected to at least one other node by links. The apparatus includes a processor for obtaining cost information relating to each link in the network and for determining the least-cost route between the origin node and the destination node based on the cost information relating to each link. The processor establishes a cost margin representing a range of costs above the cost of the least cost route and identifies one or more alternate routes. A data storage device stores the cost information, and a network interface selectively routes the data packets through one or more of the least cost route and the one or more alternate routes falling within the established cost margin thus balancing the network load and providing alternate data paths in case the least-cost path is unavailable.