Switches and groups of IO ports may be divided into separate switch modules and IO modules that can be connected by high-speed low-loss management cables in a variety of configurations. Thereafter, the separate modules may be replaced independently of each other. The switch module may recognize, and thereafter ignore, unconnected ports, removing the performance penalty that sometimes arises when fewer than all available ports are connected. The switch module may rapidly adjust to addition, subtraction, and replacement of connected IO modules.