A method, in a first network element, of notifying a network operator when mismatching sets of virtual addresses are configured on first and second network elements, prior to making one of the sets of virtual addresses available for network traffic reception. The first network element is coupled with a second network element by a synchronization channel. The network elements are configured to exchange synchronization data over the synchronization channel. A second set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the second network element, are received from the second network element. It is determined that the second set of virtual addresses and a first set of virtual addresses, which are configured on the first network element, do not match. A network operator is notified responsive to determining that first and second sets of virtual addresses do not match. The method may prevent problems that occur when the virtual addresses don't match.