A method for operating a communication network, in particular an ethernet network is provided. Each network device coupled to the network has a first control device, a first switch device which is assigned to the first control device, a second control device, and a second switch device which is assigned to the second control device. Each switch device has a transmitting and receiving port for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network, a first internal transmitting and receiving port for transmitting and receiving data between the switch devices, and a second internal transmitting and receiving port for transmitting and receiving data to or from the control device. A respective data exchange at the first and second internal transmitting and receiving port is prioritized over a data exchange at the transmitting and receiving port for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network.