Algorithms and data structure are described for constructing and maintaining a clock distribution tree (“CDT”) for timing loop avoidance. The CDT algorithms and data structure allows a node to make an automated and unattended path switch to the most desirable clock source in the network. In response to a network topology change, a clock root node distributes new clock paths to all nodes in the network. In particular, the root node calculates a new clock path for each affected node by building a clock source topology tree, and identifying from that tree a path to the network node from a clock source of higher or equal stratum relative to that network node. The root node then sends a network message to each node indicating the new path that the node should use. Each node receives the message and compares the new path with the existing path. If the paths are different then the node acquires the new path just received in the message. If the paths are the same then the node does nothing and discards the message.