A network switch apparatus includes a housing, a first network port, a second network port, a first instrument port, an active component inside the housing, wherein the active component is configured to receive packets from the first network port, and pass at least some of the packets from the first network port to the first instrument port, a connector for supplying power from a power supply to the active component, and a backup power supply for supplying power to the active component when the active component does not receive power from the power supply.