Azure ExpressRoute
Fundamentals of ExpressRoute
Azure ExpressRoute is a service that provides a private connection between Azure datacenters and infrastructure that’s on your premises or in a colocation facility. ExpressRoute connections do not go over the public Internet, and thus offer more reliability, faster speeds, lower latencies, and higher security than typical connections over the Internet.
Key Features of ExpressRoute
● Private Connectivity: ExpressRoute connections are private, which means they do not travel over the public Internet and are not subject to Internet-related issues such as variable latencies and reduced security.
● Connectivity Models: ExpressRoute can connect to Azure through any-to-any (IPVPN) networks, point-to-point Ethernet connections, or through a colocation facility at an ExpressRoute Meet-Me location.
● Layer 3 Connectivity: ExpressRoute provides Layer 3 connectivity, meaning it can support any-to-any (IPVPN) networking between your wide area network (WAN) and Azure.
● Redundancy and High Availability: It typically offers built-in redundancy and a high level of availability when configured with redundant connections.
ExpressRoute SKUs and Data Throughput
ExpressRoute offers various bandwidth options ranging from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps, depending on the chosen SKU. The ExpressRoute premium add-on provides increased route limits, global connectivity, and other advanced features.
Deployment Scenarios and Considerations
ExpressRoute is ideal for transferring large volumes of data, such as daily backups or database replication, where constant, dedicated, and uninterrupted bandwidth is necessary. It is also preferred for applications with strict compliance or data sovereignty requirements. When deploying ExpressRoute, one must consider proximity to peering locations, network provider capabilities, and any additional costs related to data transfer.
Best Practices
● Consider using ExpressRoute for mission-critical workloads that require a dedicated, reliable connection.
● Evaluate costs related to data transfer and choose an appropriate bandwidth that matches your workload needs.
● Implement a redundant ExpressRoute setup to ensure resilience in case one of the connections fails.
VPN Gateway vs. ExpressRoute
Connection
● VPN Gateway leverages the public Internet to create a secure, encrypted tunnel for data transmission, while ExpressRoute creates a private connection through a third-party connectivity provider.
Throughput
● ExpressRoute offers higher bandwidth options compared to VPN Gateway, making it suitable for more data-intensive operations.
Latency
● ExpressRoute typically offers lower latency compared to VPN Gateway since it does not use the public Internet and has a more direct route to Azure.
Security
● Both services offer high levels of security. VPN Gateway encrypts data in transit over the Internet, whereas ExpressRoute provides a private connection that inherently has a lower security risk profile.
Cost
● ExpressRoute is generally more expensive than a VPN Gateway due to its dedicated nature and the infrastructure involved. However, for enterprises requiring consistent performance and reliability, the cost can be justified.
Use Cases
● A VPN Gateway is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises or scenarios where occasional connectivity to Azure is needed. ExpressRoute, with its higher throughput and lower latency, is suited for enterprises with significant cloud workloads requiring consistent and robust connectivity.
Conclusion