Abstract: Methods and systems to prevent micro-loops between two network devices when there is a change in network topology. In one embodiment, a method is performed by a network device in a communications network, the method comprising computing a shortest path from the network device to a destination network device and identifying a backup network device for the network device to the destination network device, where the backup network device is a neighboring network device of the network device and is on an alternative path to the destination network device. The method further comprises determining a packet destined to the destination network device is received from a downstream network device of the network device, where the downstream network device is closer than the network device on the shortest path to the destination network device, and forwarding the packet to the backup network device based on the determination.