diff --git a/src/python/oftest/dataplane.py b/src/python/oftest/dataplane.py
index 70b4e9e..965bd62 100644
--- a/src/python/oftest/dataplane.py
+++ b/src/python/oftest/dataplane.py
@@ -62,9 +62,13 @@
         self.packets = []
         self.packets_discarded = 0
         self.port_number = port_number
-        self.socket = self.interface_open(interface_name)
         logname = "dp-" + interface_name
         self.logger = logging.getLogger(logname)
+        try:
+            self.socket = self.interface_open(interface_name)
+        except:
+            self.logger.info("Could not open socket")
+            sys.exit(1)
         self.logger.info("Openned port monitor socket")
         self.parent = parent
         self.pkt_sync = self.parent.pkt_sync