A technique for creating a connection is disclosed. The technique includes receiving instructions to set a first endpoint, receiving instructions to set a second endpoint, receiving instructions to set a connection between the first and second endpoints, and transferring the instructions to set the two endpoints and the connection to network elements associated with the two endpoints after receiving the instructions to set the connection. A technique for retrieving a connection endpoint index from a connection table is also disclosed. The technique includes reading a common index column element, wherein the common index column contains indexes corresponding to a plurality of service types, and interpreting the index column element based on an interface index that identifies the service type.