In one implementation, a network controller includes a path analysis module, an instruction module, and a distribution module. The path analysis module defines a data path including a plurality of network devices for a flow within a network in response to a data path request from a network device. The instruction module generates a first message including an instruction to establish a first forwarding rule at a first network device, and a second message including a first instruction to establish a second forwarding rule at a second network device and a second instruction to establish a third forwarding rule at a third network device. The distribution module provides the first message to the first network device and the second message to the second network device.