A method for routing a data flow from a source node to a destination node among a plurality of nodes mutually linked in a ring by segments of a communication network, configured so that the data flow can traverse the ring in either of first and second, mutually-opposing directions of communication. The method includes maintaining at each of the nodes a record of respective levels of use of a network resource on the segments in the ring for both the first and second directions of communication. Responsive to the respective levels of use, one of the directions is selected at the source node, in which to route the data flow to the destination node. A notification is sent from the source node to the other nodes in the ring of an additional allocation of the resource required by the source node in order to convey the data flow to the destination node in the selected direction on the segments in the ring. The record of the levels of use of the resource at each of the nodes is updated, responsive to the notification from the source node.