diff --git a/control/server.py b/control/server.py
index d1fd912a..7d242d53 100644
--- a/control/server.py
+++ b/control/server.py
@@ -134,6 +134,9 @@ def serve(self):
         # install SIGCHLD handler
         signal.signal(signal.SIGCHLD, sigchld_handler)
 
+        # Start monitor client
+        self._start_monitor_client()
+
         # wait for monitor notification of the group id
         self._wait_for_group_id()
 
@@ -159,9 +162,6 @@ def serve(self):
         # Start server
         self.server.start()
 
-        # Start monitor client
-        self._start_monitor_client()
-
     def _start_monitor_client(self):
         """Runs CEPH NVMEOF Monitor Client."""
         enable_monitor_client = self.config.getboolean_with_default("gateway", "enable_monitor_client", True)