Traffic forwarding in large-scale networks

A method for traffic forwarding in a network is provided. The method includes matching a destination IP (Internet protocol) address (DIP) of a packet, in a forwarding information base (FIB) table to point to a next-hop group for the packet, in a first matching operation. The method includes redirecting the packet to a differing next-hop group, responsive to matching each of the next-hop group for the packet and a field of the packet in a second matching operation, wherein the field marks the packet as belonging to a class of service. The method includes routing the packet to a next node, in accordance with the next-hop group or the differing next-hop group as determined for the packet. A network element is also provided.