A server-facing port activation system includes a core network system, a server device, and a networking device that includes at least one uplink port coupled to the core network system, and a first downlink port coupled to the server device. The networking device begin initialization operations and, in response, identifies that the first downlink port is coupled to the server device and prevents the first downlink port from being made available. While preventing the first downlink port from being made available, the networking device configures the at least one uplink port coupled to the core network system with server device information associated with the server device. The networking device then determines that the at least one uplink port coupled to the core network system is available and, in response, causes the first downlink port that is coupled to the server device to be made available.