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.