Abstract: A node for a storage area network has a processor, at least one port for connection to a storage area network, and a memory system. The memory system contains machine readable instructions for managing the at least one port, including instructions for determining a status associated with the at least one port capable of holding at least failed, probationary, normal and active status. For any failed port, the instructions include instructions for detecting a repair and when repair is detected for advancing the status to active or probationary status—probationary status being set when no exchange is pending to a target node reachable only through the repaired port. For probationary ports, the instructions detect when the port operates without error for a predetermined period and advances the status from probationary to active or normal. Network exchanges are preferentially routed over an active or normal port, rather than transmitting them over probationary ports.