A method, system, and computer-readable storage device for detecting conflicts in a hybrid network device is described herein. A hybrid network device may receive a local controller command from a network management device (e.g., a laptop, operated by a network administrator, executing a command line interface). The hybrid network device may convert the local controller command to a software defined command format. The hybrid network device may detect a lack of conflict between the converted local controller command and active flows represented in an active flow repository. Based on the detected lack of conflict, the hybrid network device may update a traffic forwarding table of the hybrid network device in accordance to the local controller command.