System and method for second order multi-layer traffic grooming for optical network optimization

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.