---
sourceDocument: Xanadu ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/xanadu/servicenow-platform

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities

ft:clusterId :

    - platcap

bundleId :

    - platcap

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Update a connection

# Create or modify a connection using the map editor {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated July 31, 2025
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Use the map editor to add a relationship between two CIs or to modify an existing relationship.

## Before you begin

Role required: sn_cmdb_admin or sn_cmdb_editor

## About this task

* A solid line indicates a relationship. The arrowhead indicates the dependent node.
* A dashed line indicates a reference.
* A badge on a line indicates the number of relationships between the CIs.

{#unified-map-edit-connection__ul_ykz_nxx_42c}

Two CIs might be connected by one or more relationships (stored in the CI Relationship \[cmdb_rel_ci\] table). For example, two CIs might be connected by the Runs On::Runs, Depends On::Discovered From, and by the Owned By::Owns relationships.

You can learn more about relationships at [CI relationships in the CMDB](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/BAstgcmdhZaiKdHs3VQfqA "The CMDB, in contrast to a static asset list, helps you track not only the configuration items (CIs) within your system, but also the relationships between those items.").  
The map editor does not support the following actions:

* Editing mapped application services (service instances).
* Deleting reference or endpoint connections or removing from the map a CI that has reference or endpoint connections.
* Updating the applicative flow relationship type (connection between endpoint CIs).
{#unified-map-edit-connection__ul_rwj_jcd_j2c}  
Note:  
At any time, select the reset icon ![]() to undo all unsaved changes.

## Procedure

1. While editing a map, specify whether to create or modify a connection.

   | Action | Procedure |
   | Create a connection | Take one of the following actions: * Right-click a CI and select Connect to. * Select a CI for the connection (either the parent or the child) and then select the Manage connection icon ![](). {#unified-map-edit-connection__ul_hhf_q2j_l2c} |
   | Modify an existing connection | Take one of the following actions: * Select the connection and then select the Manage connection icon ![](). * Select a CI for the connection (either the parent or the child) and then select the Attributes icon ![](). All connections for the CI are listed in boxes. Select Change. {#unified-map-edit-connection__ul_ml2_dqs_tfc} |
   | Delete a connection | For instructions, see [Delete a connection using the map editor](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/gqP0Xh8762aCAmmb0o6wZQ "While editing a map, you can delete a connection (a relationship record) from the CMDB. The CIs that are involved in the connection are not deleted from the CMDB."). |
   |-|-|

   {#unified-map-edit-connection__choicetable_cb2_gjb_l2c}
2. On the Manage connection panel (![]()), specify the settings.  
   {#unified-map-edit-connection__table_qwp_hq5_k2c__entry__2}

   | Field | Description |
   |-|-|
   | Source CI | You can select the swap icon ![]() to swap source and target. Note: In the context of a CI relationship, this is the parent CI. |
   | Target CI | You can select the swap icon ![]() to swap source and target. Note: In the context of a CI relationship, this is the child CI. |
   | Show suggested relationships | Option to control the contents of the Relationship type selection box: The relationship types that are most appropriate for the two CIs appear at the top of the list. |
   | Relationship type | The relationship between the CIs. For example, the relationship between the parent 'Tomcat' and the child 'WAR File' is Contains::Contained By. |
   [Table 1. Manage connection panel]

   {#unified-map-edit-connection__table_qwp_hq5_k2c}
3. When you have specified all connection settings, select Change to change an existing connection or Create connection to add a connection.
**Related concepts**   

* [CI relationships in the CMDB](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/BAstgcmdhZaiKdHs3VQfqA "The CMDB, in contrast to a static asset list, helps you track not only the configuration items (CIs) within your system, but also the relationships between those items.")
* [Editing maps in Unified Map](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/YALmDeG6WvdSgAsZZjwUUA "While you work in the map editor, you can add a CI to the map and remove (hide) a CI from the map. Removing a CI node from a map deletes the records of the CI's relationships, but does not delete the CI record from the CMDB. You can also add, modify, and delete CI relationships in the CMDB.")  
**Related tasks**   

* [Add a suggested relationship](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/gR~YvBEBR5Qpxx_FG6lJpA "Add a suggested relationship for a class. The list of suggested relationships for a class is available when you create a new relationship for a CI of that class.")
* [Delete a connection using the map editor](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/gqP0Xh8762aCAmmb0o6wZQ "While editing a map, you can delete a connection (a relationship record) from the CMDB. The CIs that are involved in the connection are not deleted from the CMDB.")  
**Related reference**   

* [Suggested class relationships](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/N5Bl4tu7GthsVEgBAeHspw "The system keeps a table (Suggested Relationship [cmdb_rel_type_suggest]) of relationship types that are appropriate for a CI type, based on its class. You can manage suggested relationships by navigating to Configuration > Suggested Relationships , or in the CI Class Manager.")