An intermediate node obtains a lead packet of a plurality of packets in a session having a unique session identifier, modifies the lead packet to identify at least the intermediate node, and then forwards the lead packet toward the destination node though an intermediate node electronic output interface to the IP network. The intermediate node also receives, through an intermediate node electronic input interface in communication with the IP network, a backward message from a next node having a next node identifier. The backward message includes the next node identifier and the session identifier. The intermediate node forms an association between the next node identifier and the session identifier, stores the association in memory to maintain state information for the session, and obtains (e.g., receives) additional packets of the session. Substantially all of the additional packets in the session are forwarded toward the next node using the stored association.