In this paper, we present a performance analysis of WDM-based networks with nodal degrees between 2 and 3 leads to higher nodal degree gains. These results make degree 3 and degree 4 topologies very attractive for use in the optical core of IP-over-WDM networks. Our results show that there are several degree four topologies, with a performance very close to the optimum, which may be implemented in the optical core of IP-over-WDM networks. These results clearly increase the implementation flexibility of degree four topologies in those environments.