Reversing direction of packet transmission in a network having a ring topology

A method implemented by a node in a network having a ring topology includes the step of discovering a first peer node arranged in a first direction around the ring with respect to the node. The method further includes the step of discovering a second peer node arranged in a second direction around the ring with respect to the node. Upon determining that data packets are propagating in the first direction and communication with the first peer node is interrupted, the method include performing a direction reversal procedure to propagate the data packets in the second direction. In response to the second peer node being unable to perform the direction reversal procedure, the method includes the step of tunnelling the data packets to a next node in the second direction to thereby bypass the second peer node.