A network switch comprises a plurality of ports that exchange frames of data with one or more network devices. A transfer circuit transfers the frames of the data between the ports. At least one of the ports includes a loopback circuit that sends to the transfer circuit each frame of the data received by the at least one of the ports from the transfer circuit when the one of the ports is not operational. A redirect circuit causes the transfer circuit to transfer each frame of the data received by the transfer circuit from the one of the ports to one or more predetermined others of the ports when the one of the ports is not operational.