Abstract: An application-based circuit steering apparatus and method for redirecting cells within a cell-based network. The circuit steering apparatus includes a data input port configured to receive a packet including one or more cells containing data for an application to be communicated via the network, a monitor configured to sample one or more initial cells of the packet to determine application information relating to the application, and a redirection unit for diverting cells of the packet from a predetermined path within the network to an alternate path within the network based on the application information.