A system for using a virtual switch in a network. In response to a switch connecting to a network, network configuration data is read to determine whether the switch is part of a virtual switch. In response to determining that the switch is part of the virtual switch, a priority number for the switch is sent to other switches connected to the network. Priority numbers are received from the other switches. It is determined whether the switch has a highest priority number. In response to determining that the switch does have the highest priority number, the switch is selected to be a master switch for the virtual switch. Then, domain identification data for the virtual switch is sent to the other switches. Afterward, the switch and the other switches respond to requests over the network as one domain identified by the domain identification data.