A system for optimizing network traffic is described. The system includes a primary appliance having a first handoff engine in an active state. The primary appliance is configured to receive from a first switch one of first data or a copy of first data to be provided to a second switch. The system also includes a secondary appliance having a second handoff engine in a passive state, where the secondary appliance is configured to receive from the first switch the other of the first data or the copy of the first data. The second handoff engine is configured to monitor state data provided by the first handoff engine, determine a condition of the first handoff engine using the state data and the other of the first data or the copy of first data, and based on the determination, provide instructions for the secondary appliance to provide the other of the first data or the copy of the first data to the second switch.