A method of allocating a plurality of traffic demands on a network having a plurality of stations connected by a bi-directional ring is disclosed. The method comprises selecting a first traffic demand from the plurality of traffic demands. The method then acquires a first existing traffic volume for a first direction of the bi-directional ring and a second existing traffic volume for a second direction of the bi-directional ring. Either the first or second direction is selected for transmitting the first traffic demand based on the smallest incremental increase in the load of the bi-directional ring.