In the subject system for a network switch may determine to transition the output port of the network switch between a store-and-forward (SAF) state and a cut-through (CT) state based on at least one factor. The network switch may determine, based on a condition of the output port, whether to transition the output port to a transition-cut-through (TCT) state or directly to a CT state when transitioning the output port to the CT state. When the output port is transitioned to the TCT state, the network switch may determine, based on the condition of the output port, whether to transition the output port to the CT state or to transition the output port back to the SAF state.