The process of identifying the ideal WAN structure is based on exhaustive search testing the costs associated to all possible topological scenarios. The identification of these scenarios is achieved through varying the minimum amount of traffic, which makes feasible the existence of nodes.

The topology isn't the sole factor to be considered when identifying an ideal WAN. However, many interconnection costs still use distance as the main factor defining prices. Therefore, topology still matters. Bellow we see an example of the process flow and a view of the analysis process: