Exemplary embodiments relate to a network node implementing redundant cards and configured to synchronize sequence numbers, and a related method. The network node may include a fabric configured to route packets towards a destination. Furthermore, the network node may include an active card configured to establish at least one link to a destination node, generate a sequence number for each packet to be sent, and send a messaging packet including at least one sequence number from the active card to inactive cards over a communication channel on a data path in the fabric. Finally, the network node may include an inactive card configured to receive the messaging packet including the at least one sequence number from the active card over the communication channel, extract the at least one sequence number, and synchronize operation of the inactive card to the active card using the at least one sequence number.