A signaling network node is configured for identifying a received signaling message as corresponding to one of a plurality of prescribed message classes, based on prescribed message class selection criteria. The signaling network node determines an outbound linkset for the received signaling message based on selected message parameters, for example destination point code, input linkset, service indicator values, etc., where the outbound linkset typically includes at least two links. The signaling network node selects one of the at least two links based on the identified message class.