Ethernet Ring Protection-resource Usage Optimization Methods

A method of reconfiguring a ring network having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of spans that prevents a maximum usage parameter within the network to be exceeded, the method comprising:

• configuring the network by selecting a span as a protection span to remain idle;
• calculating an effect of the configuration on the network that causes the network to exceed the maximum usage parameter;
• and
• reconfiguring the network by selecting a different span as a protection span to remain idle based on a result of the calculating the effect of the configuration such that the maximum usage parameter of the reconfigured network is not exceeded.

A ring network reconfigured to prevent a maximum usage parameter to be exceeded, comprising:

• a plurality of nodes;
• a plurality of spans connecting the nodes;
• a first configuration of the network having a first selected span from the plurality of spans, the first selected span remains idle;
• a calculated effect on the network that causes the network to exceed the maximum usage parameter based on the first configuration;
• and
• a second configuration of the network having selected span from the plurality of spans, the second selected remains idle and is different than the first selected span, the second selected span selected based on the calculated effect such that the maximum usage parameter of the second configuration is not exceeded.