Embodiments generally relate to link state change detection and notification within a server with embedded or directly integrated network switch. In a server configuration in which there is no longer a distinct separation between a network switch and a network interface card (NIC), the server can no longer immediately detect a change in the link state of any of the switch's ports. This can lead to connection failure. A Link State Policy Table is thus implemented within the embedded or integrated switch, capable of changing the NIC link state according to one or more pre-defined or user-defined policy settings. The server is then notified of the change in the NIC link state, and can release an old IP address or request a new IP address accordingly.