Methods, devices and computer program products for self partitioning a data network are provided. A network device that is using an address of another network device is identified, the network is automatically partitioned to eliminate the potential conflict, and address conflict resolution is initiated. Partitioning the network may include closing a port over which the routing packet was received from the network device that advertised the conflict, or may include closing the logical connection to that network device. A routing database may be cleared of information previously received from the network device that advertised the conflict so that no routes exist through that device any more. Conflict resolution may include assigning a different address to the network device identified as having a conflicting address, and then allowing the identified network device to communicate with other network devices using the newly assigned address.