1. A network design method executable by at least one computer, the method comprising: inputting embedded network information describing at least one existing network element and a plurality of physical locations available for locating new network nodes; inputting a demand forecast for a coverage area of a proposed network having a core layer, an aggregation layer, and an access layer; inputting a number of core layer nodes to be included in the proposed network; determining a lower bound number of aggregator layer nodes to service the coverage area; determining a number of aggregator layer nodes to be included in the proposed network by adding a positive integer quantity to the lower bound number of aggregator layer nodes; generating a potential network design for the proposed network; locating each of the core layer nodes and aggregator layer nodes of the potential network design at an assigned physical location of the plurality of physical locations available; and calculating a cost of implementing the potential network design.