Data transfer for access points or switches in a cluster upon data tunnel failure is described. An example includes receiving uniform mapping information for a cluster including a bucket map mapping an active gateway and a standby gateway for each of multiple entries, the bucket map including mapping a first gateway node as a standby gateway and a second gateway node as an active gateway for an entry. Synchronized user information is received from the second gateway node including identification of a user indexed to the first entry. A message is received from a first AP or switch requesting activation of the user on the first gateway node as a standby gateway upon failure of a data tunnel between the first AP or switch and the second gateway node. The user is activated on the first gateway node.