Optimized fast re-route in MPLS ring topologies

A method performed on a network element employing Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to optimize bandwidth in a ring topology network including a back-up Label Switch Path (LSP) for a protected LSP by re-routing traffic onto the back-up LSP to avoid shared links between the protected LSP and back-up LSP, including receiving a first labeled packet from another label switch router (LSR) in the back-up LSP, the first labeled packet indicating that a protection switch of data is to be performed from the protected LSP to the back-up LSP (207), determining whether a shared link in the ring topology network exists between the protected LSP and the back-up LSP (209), rerouting traffic for the protected LSP onto an optimized back-up LSP to remove the shared link (211), receiving a second labeled packet indicating that a protection switch of data is to be performed (215), and restoring routing of the traffic onto the protected LSP in response to receiving the second labeled packet (217).