Method and apparatus for rebooting a bridge in a network containing a plurality of bridges. The method includes sending notification to other bridges that the bridge will be updated; updating the bridge; restoring a state of the network prior to the bridge being updated; and sending notification to the other bridges in the network that the update is complete. Sending notification includes sending a special bridge protocol data unit along forwarding links connected to the bridge. The method further includes the other bridges initiating a condition of not expecting additional messages from the bridge subsequent to the notification of the update and disabling a part of the bridge prior to updating. An apparatus includes a forwarding plane adapted to provide physical control of ports in the bridge and a control plane adapted for issuing and executing instructions in accordance with the method that control the physical action of the ports.