Methods and systems for configuring networks are disclosed. For example, in an example of an embodiment, a network device includes a plurality of first ports each connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) segment, a network link circuit configured to generate network link notices conforming to a network forming protocol for establishing network links between the network device and other switches in the network so as to enable the other switches to select a network link by which to send packets to the network device, the generated link notices being based in part on a power consumption capability of one or more first ports in the network device, and transmit circuitry configured to transmit the network link notices to the other switches through one or more of the first ports.