A method for setting up standby links on a link failure may be provided. The method comprises for a set of N link ports and M standby link ports, where N and M are integers and N is not equal to M, performing the following functions. Determining the status of a link from a first link port of the N ports. After the link from the first link port has failed, determining when a standby link port from the M standby link ports has been assigned to the first link port of the N ports. After the standby link port has been assigned, determining the health of the standby link port. After the standby link port has been assigned and is healthy, redirecting traffic from the first link port to the standby link port.