Abstract: A microwave network planner tool (40). The network planner tool (40) allows a user to set parameters for a network design, and to assign weighted values to multiple components of the design of the network. Weighting may be biased to proximity and/or site factors. Executing the tool provides an optimized network designed to constraints defined by the user. For example, if the designer wishes to reduce network cost, the designer may set constraints to the number of links allowed, and may increase the weighting on a selection of preferred location (e.g., a tower with favorable lease conditions).