An apparatus for transferring data on a network. The apparatus includes a switch comprising a primary component for switching the data through the switch. The apparatus includes a secondary component for switching the data through the switch if the primary component fails. The apparatus includes a mechanism for counting the data that has been received, transmitted or dropped by the switch without including any redundancy in the counting of the data due to the primary component and secondary component both able to switch data through the switch. A method for transferring ATM cells on a network. The method includes the steps of switching the ATM cells with an ATM switch of the ATM network having a primary component for switching the cells and a secondary component for switching the cells if the primary component fails. Then there is the step of counting the cells that have been received, transmitted or dropped by the switch without including any redundancy in the counting if the cells due to the primary component and secondary component both able to switch the cells through the switch.