In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a first utilization value, accessing a second utilization value, defining a third utilization value, and sending to a first switching portion of a distributed network switch a deactivate signal in response to the third utilization value. The first utilization value is associated with the first switching portion of the distributed network switch. The second utilization value is associated with a second switching portion of the distributed network switch. The third utilization value is associated with the second switching portion of the distributed network switch and is based on the first utilization parameter and the second utilization parameter. The first switching portion of the distributed network switch ceases communication within the distributed network switch in response to the deactivate signal.