A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code having programming instructions tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium. The programming instructions are operable to configure an initiator-to-initiator message route in a switched fiber channel arbitrated loop (FCAL) network such that the initiator-to-initiator message route traverses a replacement field replaceable unit (FRU). Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to transmit a verification initiator-to-initiator message along the initiator-to-initiator message route to verify proper operation of the replacement FRU.