A computer network device that includes a plurality of computer network ports for connecting to a plurality of computer network nodes is disclosed. The computer network device includes switching circuitry that communicates each of a plurality of messages received by more than one of the plurality of computer network ports to at least one other computer network port for transmission. The computer network device also includes a management processor that includes a plurality of management processor communication ports that include at least one externally accessible communication port and at least one externally inaccessible communication port. The at least one externally inaccessible communication port is in communication with the switching circuitry, and the management processor sends switching circuitry configuration instructions via the at least one externally inaccessible communication port to configure the switching circuitry.