Abstract: High-level requirements specifying bandwidth, degree of featurization and quality of service are input to a network management system (NMS) in an elementary, high-level language. The NMS translates the set of high-level requirements into a set of low-level requirements using a first subroutine. A second subroutine then generates one or more options on the basis of the set of low-level requirements. Each option consists of a detailed technical specification for various elements of the underlying main network. In response to user selection of an option, the NMS converts the option to a set of graphical elements for display using a third subroutine. A cost breakdown is also provided for the selected option. The user may then commit the option to the NMS or reduce the high-level requirements if the cost is deemed too high.