diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index e8ffce0..09456e1 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ qt_add_executable(${AppExec}
     src/Engine/Operator/Attribute.cpp
     src/Engine/Operator/Geometry.cpp
     src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp
+    src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.cpp
     src/Engine/Network/NetworkManager.cpp
 )
 
@@ -63,6 +64,7 @@ add_executable(${TestExec}
     src/Engine/Operator/Geometry.cpp
     src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp
     src/Engine/Network/NetworkManager.cpp
+    src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.cpp
 )
 find_package(Catch2 3 REQUIRED)
 target_link_libraries(${TestExec} PRIVATE Catch2::Catch2WithMain Eigen3::Eigen)
diff --git a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.cpp b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55c0170
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#include "Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h"
+
+enzo::nt::GeometryConnection::GeometryConnection(enzo::nt::OpId inputOpId, unsigned int inputIndex, enzo::nt::OpId outputOpId, unsigned int outputIndex)
+:inputOperatorId_{inputOpId}, inputIndex_{inputIndex}, outputOperatorId_{outputOpId}, outputIndex_{outputIndex}
+{    
+}
+
+enzo::nt::OpId enzo::nt::GeometryConnection::getInputOpId() const {return inputOperatorId_; }
+enzo::nt::OpId enzo::nt::GeometryConnection::getOutputOpId() const {return outputOperatorId_; }
+unsigned int enzo::nt::GeometryConnection::getInputIndex() const {return inputIndex_; }
+unsigned int enzo::nt::GeometryConnection::getOutputIndex() const {return outputIndex_; }
+
diff --git a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dcfa922
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "Engine/Types.h"
+namespace enzo::nt
+{
+class GeometryOperator;
+class GeometryConnection
+{
+public:
+    // input and output are in relation to data flow
+    // the input node is the node the data flows from
+    // the output node is the node the data flows to
+    GeometryConnection(enzo::nt::OpId inputOpId, unsigned int inputIndex, enzo::nt::OpId outputOpId, unsigned int outputIndex);
+    
+    enzo::nt::OpId getInputOpId() const;
+    enzo::nt::OpId getOutputOpId() const;
+    unsigned int getInputIndex() const;
+    unsigned int getOutputIndex() const;
+private:
+    enzo::nt::OpId inputOperatorId_;
+    enzo::nt::OpId outputOperatorId_;
+    unsigned int inputIndex_;
+    unsigned int outputIndex_;
+};
+}
diff --git a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp
index 5d570d4..ba94dfb 100644
--- a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp
+++ b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.cpp
@@ -1,55 +1,93 @@
 #include "Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h"
+#include <memory>
+#include "Engine/Network/NetworkManager.h"
 #include <optional>
+#include <iostream>
 
 using namespace enzo;
 
+void enzo::nt::connectOperators(enzo::nt::OpId inputOpId, unsigned int inputIndex, enzo::nt::OpId outputOpId, unsigned int outputIndex)
+{
+    // get network manager
+    auto nm = enzo::nt::NetworkManager::getInstance();
+
+    auto inputOp = nm->getGeoOperator(inputOpId);
+    auto outputOp = nm->getGeoOperator(outputOpId);
+
+    auto newConnection = std::make_shared<nt::GeometryConnection>(inputOpId, inputIndex, outputOpId, outputIndex); 
+
+    // set output on the upper operator
+    outputOp.addOutputConnection(newConnection);
+
+    // set input on the lower operator
+    inputOp.addInputConnection(newConnection);
+}
+
 nt::GeometryOperator::GeometryOperator()
 {
     // TODO: drive by geometry definition
     maxInputs_=4;
     maxOutputs_=4;
-
-    inputIds_ = std::vector<std::optional<nt::OpId>>(maxInputs_, std::nullopt);
-    outputIds_ = std::vector<std::optional<nt::OpId>>(maxOutputs_, std::nullopt);
 }
 
-bool nt::GeometryOperator::setInput(unsigned int inputNumber, nt::OpId opId)
+// bool nt::GeometryOperator::setInput(unsigned int inputNumber, nt::OpId opId)
+// {
+//     if(inputNumber>=maxInputs_)
+//     {
+//         return false;
+//     }
+//     inputIds_[inputNumber] = opId;
+
+//     return true;
+// }
+// bool nt::GeometryOperator::setOutput(unsigned int outputNumber, nt::OpId opId)
+// {
+
+//     if(outputNumber>=maxOutputs_)
+//     {
+//         return false;
+//     }
+//     inputIds_[outputNumber] = opId;
+//     return true;
+// }
+
+void nt::GeometryOperator::addInputConnection(std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection> connection)
 {
-    if(inputNumber>=maxInputs_)
-    {
-        return false;
-    }
-    inputIds_[inputNumber] = opId;
-
-    return true;
+    inputConnections_.push_back(connection); 
 }
-bool nt::GeometryOperator::setOutput(unsigned int outputNumber, nt::OpId opId)
+
+void nt::GeometryOperator::addOutputConnection(std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection> connection)
 {
-
-    if(outputNumber>=maxOutputs_)
-    {
-        return false;
-    }
-    inputIds_[outputNumber] = opId;
-    return true;
+    std::cout << "Output connection added\nConnecting ops " << connection->getInputOpId() << " -> " << connection->getOutputOpId() << "\n";
+    std::cout << "Connecting index " << connection->getInputIndex() << " -> " << connection->getOutputIndex() << "\n";
+    outputConnections_.push_back(connection); 
 }
 
-std::optional<nt::OpId> nt::GeometryOperator::getInput(unsigned int inputNumber) const
+
+// std::optional<nt::OpId> nt::GeometryOperator::getInput(unsigned int inputNumber) const
+// {
+//     if(inputNumber>=maxInputs_)
+//     {
+//         return std::nullopt;
+//     }
+//     return inputIds_.at(inputNumber);    
+// }
+
+// std::optional<nt::OpId> nt::GeometryOperator::getOutput(unsigned int outputNumber) const
+// {
+//     if(outputNumber>=maxOutputs_)
+//     {
+//         return std::nullopt;
+//     }
+//     return outputIds_.at(outputNumber);    
+// }
+
+
+unsigned int nt::GeometryOperator::getMaxInputs() const
 {
-    if(inputNumber>=maxInputs_)
-    {
-        return std::nullopt;
-    }
-    return inputIds_.at(inputNumber);    
+    return maxInputs_;
 }
-
-std::optional<nt::OpId> nt::GeometryOperator::getOutput(unsigned int outputNumber) const
+unsigned int nt::GeometryOperator::getMaxOutputs() const
 {
-    if(outputNumber>=maxOutputs_)
-    {
-        return std::nullopt;
-    }
-    return outputIds_.at(outputNumber);    
+    return maxOutputs_;
 }
-
-
diff --git a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h
index 9160ead..5d5ff39 100644
--- a/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h
+++ b/src/Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h
@@ -1,21 +1,34 @@
 #pragma once
+#include "Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h"
 #include "Engine/Types.h"
 #include <optional>
+#include <memory>
 
 namespace enzo::nt {
+void connectOperators(enzo::nt::OpId inputOpId, unsigned int inputIndex, enzo::nt::OpId outputOpId, unsigned int outputIndex);
 
 class GeometryOperator
 {
 public:
     GeometryOperator();
-    bool setInput(unsigned int inputNumber, nt::OpId opId);
-    bool setOutput(unsigned int outputNumber, nt::OpId opId);
-    std::optional<nt::OpId> getInput(unsigned int inputNumber) const;
-    std::optional<nt::OpId> getOutput(unsigned int outputNumber) const;
+    // bool setInput(unsigned int inputNumber, nt::OpId opId);
+    // bool setOutput(unsigned int outputNumber, nt::OpId opId);
+    // std::optional<nt::OpId> getInput(unsigned int inputNumber) const;
+    // std::optional<nt::OpId> getOutput(unsigned int outputNumber) const;
+
+    void addInputConnection(std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection> connection);
+    void addOutputConnection(std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection> connection);
+
+
+
+    unsigned int getMaxInputs() const;
+    unsigned int getMaxOutputs() const;
+
 
 private:
-    std::vector<std::optional<nt::OpId>> inputIds_;
-    std::vector<std::optional<nt::OpId>> outputIds_;
+    // TODO: avoid duplicate connections
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection>> inputConnections_;
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<nt::GeometryConnection>> outputConnections_;
     unsigned int maxInputs_;
     unsigned int maxOutputs_;
 
diff --git a/src/Engine/Types.h b/src/Engine/Types.h
index 1d3a83b..84ff885 100644
--- a/src/Engine/Types.h
+++ b/src/Engine/Types.h
@@ -32,5 +32,10 @@ namespace enzo
     namespace nt
     {
         using OpId = uint64_t;
+
+        enum class SocketIOType {
+            Input,
+            Output
+        };
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/gui/network/FloatingEdgeGraphic.cpp b/src/gui/network/FloatingEdgeGraphic.cpp
index 3f8ea11..3f85983 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/FloatingEdgeGraphic.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/network/FloatingEdgeGraphic.cpp
@@ -32,8 +32,8 @@ void FloatingEdgeGraphic::paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsIte
     painter->setPen(pen);
     // painter->drawLine(socket1_->scenePos(),floatPos_);
 
-    QPointF pos1 = socket1_->getIO()==SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input ? socket1_->scenePos() : floatPos_;
-    QPointF pos2 = socket1_->getIO()==SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input ? floatPos_ : socket1_->scenePos();
+    QPointF pos1 = socket1_->getIO()==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? socket1_->scenePos() : floatPos_;
+    QPointF pos2 = socket1_->getIO()==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? floatPos_ : socket1_->scenePos();
     float dist = std::sqrt(std::pow(pos1.x()-pos2.x(),2)+std::pow(pos1.y()-pos2.y(),2));
     std::cout << "dist: " << dist << "\n";
     float cubicStrength = dist*0.5;
diff --git a/src/gui/network/Network.cpp b/src/gui/network/Network.cpp
index 9ae835b..12def1d 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/Network.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/network/Network.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 #include "gui/network/Network.h"
+#include "Engine/Operator/GeometryConnection.h"
+#include "Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h"
 #include "Engine/Types.h"
 #include "gui/network/DisplayFlagButton.h"
 #include "gui/network/NodeEdgeGraphic.h"
@@ -8,6 +10,7 @@
 #include "gui/network/FloatingEdgeGraphic.h"
 #include "gui/network/SocketGraphic.h"
 #include "Engine/Network/NetworkManager.h"
+#include <memory>
 #include <qboxlayout.h>
 #include <QPushButton>
 #include <QGraphicsItem>
@@ -126,14 +129,27 @@ void Network::socketClicked(SocketGraphic* socket, QMouseEvent *event)
     }
     // second click
     // connect to opposite type
-    else if (socket->getIO()!=startSocket_->getIO())
+    else if (
+        socket->getIO()!=startSocket_->getIO() &&
+        startSocket_->getOpId()!=socket->getOpId()
+    )
     {
-        auto inputSocket = startSocket_->getIO()==SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input ? startSocket_ : socket;
-        auto outputSocket = socket->getIO()==SocketGraphic::SocketType::Output ? socket : startSocket_;
 
-        NodeEdgeGraphic* newEdge = new NodeEdgeGraphic(inputSocket, outputSocket);
+        // order sockets in relation to data flow
+        // the input node is the node the data flows from
+        auto inputNodeSocket = socket->getIO()==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Output ? socket : startSocket_;
+        // the output node is the node the data flows to
+        auto outputNodeSocket = startSocket_->getIO()==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? startSocket_ : socket;
 
-        newEdge->setPos(inputSocket->scenePos(), outputSocket->scenePos());
+        std::cout << "CONNECTING opid: " << inputNodeSocket->getOpId() << " -> " << outputNodeSocket->getOpId() << "\n";
+
+
+        nt::connectOperators(inputNodeSocket->getOpId(), inputNodeSocket->getIndex(), outputNodeSocket->getOpId(), outputNodeSocket->getIndex());
+
+
+        NodeEdgeGraphic* newEdge = new NodeEdgeGraphic(outputNodeSocket, inputNodeSocket);
+
+        newEdge->setPos(outputNodeSocket->scenePos(), inputNodeSocket->scenePos());
         scene_->addItem(newEdge);
         destroyFloatingEdge();
     }
diff --git a/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.cpp b/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.cpp
index 75851d9..70bc5d9 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.cpp
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 #include <qnamespace.h>
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <string>
+#include "Engine/Network/NetworkManager.h"
+#include "Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h"
 #include "gui/network/DisplayFlagButton.h"
 #include "gui/network/SocketGraphic.h"
 #include <QGraphicsScene>
@@ -76,13 +78,22 @@ void NodeGraphic::initFlagButtons()
 
 void NodeGraphic::initSockets()
 {
-    auto* socketInput = new SocketGraphic(SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input, this);
-    socketInput->setPos(getSocketPosition(0, SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input));
-    inputs_.push_back(socketInput);
+    auto nm = enzo::nt::NetworkManager::getInstance();
+    enzo::nt::GeometryOperator& op = nm->getGeoOperator(opId_);
+    for(int i=0, max=op.getMaxInputs(); i<max; ++i)
+    {
+        auto* socketInput = new SocketGraphic(enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input, opId_, i, this);
+        socketInput->setPos(getSocketPosition(i, enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input));
+        inputs_.push_back(socketInput);
+    }
+
+    for(int i=0, max=op.getMaxOutputs(); i<max; ++i)
+    {
+        auto* socketOutput = new SocketGraphic(enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Output, opId_, i, this);
+        socketOutput->setPos(getSocketPosition(i, enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Output));
+        outputs_.push_back(socketOutput);
+    }
 
-    auto* socketOutput = new SocketGraphic(SocketGraphic::SocketType::Output, this);
-    socketOutput->setPos(getSocketPosition(0, SocketGraphic::SocketType::Output));
-    outputs_.push_back(socketOutput);
 }
 
 // void setInputEdge(NodeEdgeGraphic* edge, int indx)
@@ -183,23 +194,30 @@ void NodeGraphic::updatePositions(QPointF pos)
     // but for now I'm just going based on order
     for(int socketIndex=0; socketIndex<inputs_.size(); ++socketIndex)
     {
-        inputs_[socketIndex]->posChanged(getSocketScenePosition(socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input));
+        inputs_[socketIndex]->posChanged(getSocketScenePosition(socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input));
     }
     for(int socketIndex=0; socketIndex<outputs_.size(); ++socketIndex)
     {
-        outputs_[socketIndex]->posChanged(getSocketScenePosition(socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType::Output));
+        outputs_[socketIndex]->posChanged(getSocketScenePosition(socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Output));
     }
 }
 
-QPointF NodeGraphic::getSocketPosition(int socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType socketType)
+QPointF NodeGraphic::getSocketPosition(int socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType socketType)
 {
+    auto nm = enzo::nt::NetworkManager::getInstance();
+    enzo::nt::GeometryOperator& op = nm->getGeoOperator(opId_);
+    int maxSocketNumber = socketType==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? op.getMaxInputs() : op.getMaxOutputs();
+    float socketSpread = socketSize_*1.5*maxSocketNumber;
+
     float xPos, yPos;
     xPos = bodyRect_.center().x();
-    yPos = socketType == SocketGraphic::SocketType::Input ? bodyRect_.top() : bodyRect_.bottom();
+    yPos = socketType == enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? bodyRect_.top() : bodyRect_.bottom();
+
+    xPos += ((socketIndex/static_cast<float>(maxSocketNumber-1))-0.5)*2*socketSpread;
 
     return QPointF(xPos, yPos);
 }
-QPointF NodeGraphic::getSocketScenePosition(int socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType socketType)
+QPointF NodeGraphic::getSocketScenePosition(int socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType socketType)
 {
     return this->pos()+getSocketPosition(socketIndex, socketType);
 }
diff --git a/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.h b/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.h
index f48b0d2..5def34f 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.h
+++ b/src/gui/network/NodeGraphic.h
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ public:
     
     SocketGraphic* getInput(int indx) const;
     SocketGraphic* getOutput(int indx) const;
-    QPointF getSocketPosition(int socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType socketType);
-    QPointF getSocketScenePosition(int socketIndex, SocketGraphic::SocketType socketType);
+    QPointF getSocketPosition(int socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType socketType);
+    QPointF getSocketScenePosition(int socketIndex, enzo::nt::SocketIOType socketType);
     QRectF getBodyRect();
 
     // void addEdge(NodeEdgeGraphic* edge);
diff --git a/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.cpp b/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.cpp
index 273a10f..ec6f616 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.cpp
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@
 #include <qgraphicsitem.h>
 #include "gui/network/NodeEdgeGraphic.h"
 
-SocketGraphic::SocketGraphic(SocketGraphic::SocketType type, QGraphicsItem *parent)
-: QGraphicsItem(parent), type_{type}
+SocketGraphic::SocketGraphic(enzo::nt::SocketIOType type, enzo::nt::OpId opId, unsigned int socketIndex, QGraphicsItem *parent)
+: QGraphicsItem(parent), type_{type}, opId_{opId}, socketIndex_{socketIndex}
 {
     brushActive_ = QBrush("white");
     brushInactive_ = QBrush("#9f9f9f");
@@ -14,6 +14,12 @@ SocketGraphic::SocketGraphic(SocketGraphic::SocketType type, QGraphicsItem *pare
     initBoundingBox();
 }
 
+unsigned int SocketGraphic::getIndex() const
+{
+    return socketIndex_;
+}
+
+
 void SocketGraphic::addEdge(NodeEdgeGraphic* edge)
 {
     std::cout << "adding edge\n";
@@ -51,11 +57,11 @@ void SocketGraphic::posChanged(QPointF pos)
     for(auto* edge : edges_)
     {
         // edge->setPos(startSocket_->scenePos(), socket->scenePos());
-        if(type_==SocketType::Input)
+        if(type_==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input)
         {
             edge->setStartPos(pos);
         }
-        else if(type_==SocketType::Output)
+        else if(type_==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Output)
         {
             edge->setEndPos(pos);
         }
@@ -63,6 +69,10 @@ void SocketGraphic::posChanged(QPointF pos)
 }
 
 
+enzo::nt::OpId SocketGraphic::getOpId() const
+{
+    return opId_;
+}
 
 QRectF SocketGraphic::boundingRect() const
 {
@@ -71,16 +81,16 @@ QRectF SocketGraphic::boundingRect() const
 
 QPainterPath SocketGraphic::shape() const{
     QPainterPath path;
-    QPointF startPt(boundRect_.center().x(), type_==SocketType::Input ? boundRect_.top() : boundRect_.bottom());
+    QPointF startPt(boundRect_.center().x(), type_==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? boundRect_.top() : boundRect_.bottom());
     path.moveTo(startPt);
-    path.arcTo(boundRect_, 0, type_==SocketType::Input ? 180 : -180);
+    path.arcTo(boundRect_, 0, type_==enzo::nt::SocketIOType::Input ? 180 : -180);
     path.lineTo(boundRect_.right(), boundRect_.center().y());
     path.closeSubpath();
 
     return path;
 }
 
-SocketGraphic::SocketType SocketGraphic::getIO() { return type_; }
+enzo::nt::SocketIOType SocketGraphic::getIO() { return type_; }
 
 
 void SocketGraphic::paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem *option, QWidget *widget)
diff --git a/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.h b/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.h
index 6f9db1c..7458c8e 100644
--- a/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.h
+++ b/src/gui/network/SocketGraphic.h
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 #pragma once
+#include "Engine/Types.h"
 #include <QGraphicsItem>
 #include <QPainter>
 #include <unordered_set>
@@ -14,27 +15,28 @@ public:
 
     void paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem *option, QWidget *widget) override;
 
-    enum class SocketType {
-        Input,
-        Output
-    };
 
-    SocketGraphic(SocketGraphic::SocketType type, QGraphicsItem *parent = nullptr);
-    SocketType getIO();
+    SocketGraphic(enzo::nt::SocketIOType type, enzo::nt::OpId opId, unsigned int socketIndex, QGraphicsItem *parent = nullptr);
+    enzo::nt::SocketIOType getIO();
     void addEdge(NodeEdgeGraphic* edge);
     void removeEdge(NodeEdgeGraphic* edge);
     void posChanged(QPointF pos);
     QPainterPath shape() const override;
+    enzo::nt::OpId getOpId() const;
+
+    unsigned int getIndex() const;
 
 private:
     int socketSize_ = 1;
+    unsigned int socketIndex_;
     QBrush brushInactive_;
     QBrush brushActive_;
     bool hovered_=false;
-    SocketType type_;
+    enzo::nt::SocketIOType type_;
     std::unordered_set<NodeEdgeGraphic*> edges_;
     qreal paddingScale_=20;
     QRectF boundRect_;
+    enzo::nt::OpId opId_;
 
     void initBoundingBox();
 protected:
diff --git a/tests/NetworkTests.cpp b/tests/NetworkTests.cpp
index db32dac..deb6f52 100644
--- a/tests/NetworkTests.cpp
+++ b/tests/NetworkTests.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 #include <catch2/catch_test_macros.hpp>
+#include <memory>
 #include "Engine/Network/NetworkManager.h"
 #include "Engine/Operator/GeometryOperator.h"
 #include "Engine/Types.h"
@@ -14,12 +15,17 @@ TEST_CASE("network")
     REQUIRE(nm->isValidOp(newOpId));
     if(nm->isValidOp(newOpId))
     {
-        nt::GeometryOperator& newOp = nm->getGeoOperator(newOpId); 
-        REQUIRE(newOp.setInput(0, newOpId2));
+        auto newConnection = std::make_shared<nt::GeometryConnection>(newOpId, 1, newOpId2, 3); 
+
+        auto inputOp = nm->getGeoOperator(newOpId);
+        auto outputOp = nm->getGeoOperator(newOpId2);
+
+        // set output on the upper operator
+        outputOp.addOutputConnection(newConnection);
+
+        // set input on the lower operator
+        inputOp.addInputConnection(newConnection);
 
-        std::optional<nt::OpId> returnOpId = newOp.getInput(0);
-        REQUIRE(returnOpId.has_value());
-        REQUIRE(*returnOpId==newOpId2);
     }
 }