Abstract: An arrangement where a primary traffic management device includes ports that are connected to a network, and a backup device that is connected to the primary device and also to the network provides effective backup support. When a port of the primary become non-operational, a port of the backup device is enlisted to serve the function of the non-operational port, leaving the remaining port of the primary, as well as all of the processors to continue operating normally, employing whatever data has been accumulated in the primary. The enlisting is accomplished through a Layer 2 switch within the primary device and a Layer 2 switch within the secondary device.