A system is provided for selecting connection paths in a telecommunications network having a multiplicity of nodes interconnected by a multiplicity of links. The system identifies multiple constraints for connection paths through the network between source and destination nodes, and identifies paths that satisfy all of the constraints for a connection path between a selected source node and a selected destination node. A system is also provided for optimizing utilization of the resources of such a telecommunications network by establishing connection paths through the network between selected source and destination nodes, the established connection paths satisfying the constraints; for each established connection path, determining whether other connection paths exist between the selected source and destination nodes, and that satisfy the constraints; and if at least one such other connection path exists, determining whether any such other connection path is more efficient than the established connection path and, if the answer is affirmative, switching the connection from the established connection path to the most efficient other connection path.