1. A network switch comprising: a plurality of first ports configured to communicate with a corresponding plurality of computer systems; a second port configured to communicate with an information network; a computer processor; logic instructions on computer readable storage media executable to cause the computer processor to: periodically determine whether there are connectivity problems with the first ports and the second port independently of responding to requests from the computer systems; and generate information to be sent to the computer system that sends a request, the information including an error message regarding at least one of the connectivity problems when one of the first ports or the second port with the connectivity problem is required to respond to the request.