System and method for rerouting circuits on SONET and SDH rings without disrupting service

A method of rerouting circuits on a ring, comprising:

• identifying, for said circuits, alternative routes that are subject to an alignment constraint and increase an objective value associated with said ring;
• and
• determining a hitless migration sequence that allows said alternative routes to be employed.

A system for rerouting circuits on a ring, comprising:

• means for identifying, for said circuits, alternative routes that are subject to an alignment constraint and increase an objective value associated with said ring;
• and
• means for determining a hitless migration sequence that allows said alternative routes to be employed.