A system and method for ensuring reliable network communication for a multi-node server is disclosed. The multi-node server includes a first node having a port operable to transmit data packets. A first internal switch has a downstream port coupled to the port of the first node, an interconnection port, and uplink ports coupled to the network. The uplink ports routes data packets from the first node to the network. A second internal switch has a downstream port, an interconnection port coupled to the interconnection port of the first internal switch, and an uplink port coupled to the network. On failure of network communication at the uplink ports of the first internal switch, data packets from the first node are routed through the interconnection ports and through the uplink port of the second internal switch to the network.