System and method for automatic transport connection of a network element

Systems and methods are provided for configuring a Network Element (NE) to transport data within a network. A system configured accordingly may include a Transport Automation Tool (TAT) which can initiate, at a server on a network, a communication channel with a NE on the network. The TAT can determine or receive a network plan providing information about a circuit to be initiated or decommissioned on the network. The network plan may include a first port on the NE which is to be connected via a cross-connect (or disconnected) to a second port on the NE. The TAT can then establish or remove, using the communication channel, the cross-connect on the NE such that the NE is added to or removed from a circuit design utilizing the NE as a transport NE within the circuit.