Systems and methods to detect and recover from a loop in an Ethernet ring protected network

Loop detection systems and methods in an Ethernet Ring Protected network include, subsequent to creating a loop detection service on all nodes in the network, periodically transmitting a loop detection frame on both ports of the node; responsive to failing to receive the loop detection frame at the node, determining no loop exists in the ring; and, responsive to receiving the loop detection frame on a received port at the node, determining a loop exists in the ring and automatically implementing one or more recovery actions.