1. A method for providing a route recommendation, the method comprising: obtaining, via a processor, network topology information, wherein the network topology information comprises a plurality of underlying subnetwork types for a network, wherein the plurality of underlying subnetwork types is based on different technologies; creating, via the processor, a cost model for the network, wherein the cost model is based on optical transponder costs, wherein each of the optical transponder costs is associated with one of the plurality of underlying subnetwork types; receiving, via the processor, a request from a user for a connection to be supported by the network; and providing, via the processor, the route recommendation for supporting the connection by applying the cost model and the network topology information.