Abstract: A system and method for configuring non-fully populated switch matrixes by identifying the initial configuration, developing a transition sequence, and executing the transition sequence. The transition sequence may include reconfiguring an existing connection by first making a bridge connection then breaking the original connection, prior to adding an additional connection. In some situations, one or more intermediate configurations may be used to transition from one configuration to another. Some configurations may free certain areas of a switch matrix for maintenance such as hot swapping printed circuit cards.