In general, in one aspect, embodiments relate to a method for managing network devices in a network. The method includes making, by a network device, a determination that there are no established sessions between the network device and any of a plurality of network devices, wherein the network comprises the network device and the plurality of network devices, and in response to the determination, disabling, by the network device, an interface associated with a link between the network device and a second network device, wherein the second network device is external to the network.