Fault tolerant network switch

This invention relates to switching devices and, more particularly, to switches for networks of devices such as computers employing Ethernet, fiber channel, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, or other networking technology to provide a degree of fault tolerance. A fault tolerant network switch includes two or more switches units and a highly reliable (i.e., one with no single point of failure) interconnect unit so that during normal operation both switches are actively handling network packets and upon the failure of one of the switch units, another switch unit takes over, ensuring continued normal network operation, with somewhat reduced performance. The failed switch unit can then be replaced and the network returned to its original performance without disturbance to the other switch or the network cable connections.