A method of calculating a complex node representation for logical nodes in a hierarchical peer group in a PNNI based ATM network. The summary information for default spokes, exceptions and bypasses is determined in a way that closely represents the underlying metrics associated with the peer group. A list of all border nodes in the peer group is generated and maintained and a matrix of tables is generated, one table for each metric per each class of service. The table is populated by the best value associated with the corresponding metric for a particular pair of border nodes within a particular class of service. Once the table is populated, each element is placed in a group or bin. The bins are generated by dividing the full range of the metric into a plurality of smaller subgroups or bins. The bin having a count greater than a threshold count is selected and 80% of the worst value for that group is used as the default spoke. If no bin exists having at least a threshold count, the number of bins is reduced by one and a new set of subranges is calculated. The elements of the table are placed in the newly divided bins and a scan is performed once again.