A controller is coupled by a connection box to layer two nodes, such as top-of rack (TOR) switches. The controller manages control plane operations and forwards port extension data, such as IEEE 802.1BR protocol data to the connection box and the layer two nodes. The port extension data included information identifying a virtual path that includes ports in the connection box and one or more of the nodes. The connection box and the nodes handle forwarding plane operations. The virtual path is associated with the destination, such as a client device or a server device, and the port extension data causes traffic intended for the destination to be forwarded to the destination via the virtual path.