A method for assigning a network path after receiving a connection request to connect a first node with a second node of a network. The method including evaluating a network utilization parameter of the network, such as a network load or blocking probability, at that point in time. If the network utilization parameter is below a minimum threshold level, the method includes carrying out the steps of identifying a set of n network paths through the network that connect the first node with the second node and are absent non-linear links, performing network path selection by selecting p network paths from the set of n network paths that have the best linear OSNR, and, selecting a network path from the set of p network paths that balances the wavelength utilization between the first node and the second node of a network.