Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for optimizing data flow in a network. The system for distributing data flow in a network includes a controller that receives, from a set of nodes coupled through the network, information of errors at the ports of each node through an input-output (IO) port. The controller compiles the information of errors to assign credits to links coupled to the ports; determines, based on the credits, how to distribute data flow in the network; generates a control signal for controlling the ports; and sends the control signal to the set of nodes through the IO port. The set of nodes controls the ports according to the control signal.