Abstract: A method is provided for initiating a configuration after the interruption of at least two ring-shaped networks arranged in parallel. After the appearance of malfunctions in the ring lines and ring switching matrix devices in at least two-of-n ring-shaped networks, a configuring in the sense of forming those ring network portions that are still intact into a new ring-shaped network is initiated. Based on the knowledge of the position of the subscriber equipment (interpretation of the address table information) and on the transmission of interrupt information given ring interruptions, the configuring or, respectively, "loop back" connecting is initiated after the identification of the reception and transmission of interrupt information or the identification of the transmission of interrupt information dependent on the position of the appertaining subscriber equipment.