Abstract: A method includes forming a set of direct connections (including a high-speed connection and a low-speed connection) between an origination central office (OCO) and a destination central office (DCO). The method includes forming a spoke connection between the OCO and a hub node and forming a connection between the hub node and the DCO. The spoke connection is formed to carry first residual demand traffic from the OCO to the hub node. The connection is formed to carry the first residual demand traffic and second residual demand traffic (received at the hub node from other OCOs) from the hub node to the DCO. The method includes determining a first estimated cost (of forming the set of direct connections) and a second estimated cost (of forming the spoke connection and the connection). The method includes determining whether the first estimated cost exceeds the second estimated cost.

Abstract: A method of planning a network is disclosed. The method includes estimating a first cost of forming a direct connection between an origination central office and a destination central office. The method also includes estimating a second cost of forming a spoke connection between the origination central office and a hub node. The spoke connection is to carry residual data traffic. The method also includes determining whether to implement the direct connection based on whether the estimated first cost exceeds the estimated second cost.

Abstract: A method of planning a network is disclosed. The method includes estimating a first cost of forming a direct connection between an origination central office and a destination central office. The method also includes estimating a second cost of forming a spoke connection between the origination central office and a hub node. The spoke connection is to carry residual data traffic. The method also includes determining whether to implement the direct connection based on whether the estimated first cost exceeds the estimated second cost.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating a computer based layout of an optical communication network is provided. First, communications traffic demand forecast data for an optical communication network is received. Network data corresponding to a deployed optical communication network is also received. Thereafter, a network plan can be automatically generated. The network plan corresponds to a modified network that may be deployed. Also, the network plan can be derived from the network data. Further, the network plan can be constructed in response to the performance of a grooming operation that includes a first level of grooming at an optical level of the modified network and a second level of grooming at an electrical level of the modified network.