Systems and methods address automated ring owner selection for a ring topology network. A new ring owner may be selected based on failure of a current ring owner. The new ring owner may assume a ring ownership role by a) detecting a missing Ownership Select Message (OSM); b) detecting missing Continuity Check Protocol (CCP) messages; and c) determining that the current ring owner is an adjacent network module connected via an external link of a management network. A signal fail (SF) condition may also be present. Upon detection of adequate role changing conditions, a new ring owner may assume a ring ownership role, transmit an OSM and possibly select a new active uplink.