A system, computer-readable media and computer-implemented method for automated network adapter activation in connection with fibre channel uplink mapping. The system includes a non-virtualized storage area network switch having a plurality of fibre channel ports. Each of the fibre channel ports is coupled to a corresponding cable to at least partly define a fibre channel uplink. The system also includes a plurality of client devices. Each client device has a network adapter. The system also includes a processing element and non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions instructing the processing element to complete the following steps: (1) automatically execute an algorithm to determine a sequence for mapping the network adapters to respective fibre channel uplinks; (2) automatically determine a network adapter activation pattern based on the sequence to include a time delay between the network adapters; (3) automatically map the network adapters to respective fibre channel uplinks according to the sequence; and (4) automatically activate the network adapters based on the network adapter activation pattern.