A network device receives a first message indicating that the network device is to operate according to a new configuration for a period of time and that the network device is to operate according to a user specified configuration upon expiration of the period of time without confirmation of the new configuration. The network device thereby causes the network device to operate according to the new configuration for the period of time, and then determines whether the network device received, prior to expiration of the period of time, confirmation of the new configuration. The network device selectively: causes the network device to operate according to the user specified configuration after expiration of the period of time, based on determining that confirmation was not received; or causes the network device to operate according to the new configuration after expiration of the period of time, based on determining confirmation was received.