A method of automatically provisioning a network-wide function using a plurality of network elements in a service provider network and using a sub-network level approach is provided. In one specific approach, a software wizard facilitates provisioning a bi-directional line switched ring (BLSR). First user input, specifying a plurality of ring attribute values that define attributes of a bi-directional line switched ring, is received. Second user input, specifying one or more working spans for the bi-directional line switched ring, is received. Each of the network elements is automatically configured to participate in the bi-directional line switched ring based on the parameter values. Embodiments may provide a software wizard for implementing the foregoing process. In certain features, spans for a BLSR are automatically selected based on a selection of a first candidate span; only selected nodes and spans that are capable of participating in a BLSR are displayed; and port orientation for all spans in a BLSR is automatically determined based on user input defining port orientation for a first port of a first span.