When adopting end-to-end cloud solutions, the security of these intricate infrastructures is one of the largest issues companies confront. Azure ExpressRoute can be of assistance here! The cloud is where digital transformation will go in the future. Therefore, it would be best to have the appropriate network infrastructure for your organization to maximize the benefits of the cloud while meeting your demands for security, performance, and user experience.
Between an organization’s on-premises data centers and/or Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, the Azure ExpressRoute service provides a dedicated and private connection. Organizations may create a private, high-bandwidth connection to Azure services instead of using the public internet. For businesses with stringent Azure network needs, ExpressRoute was launched in 2014 to provide more dependable and secure connectivity to Azure. Azure ExpressRoute expanded its support between 2015 and 2019 to include further capabilities like ExpressRoute Direct and services like Office 365 and Dynamics 365.
What’s Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute?
Companies may extend their data centers’ reach into the cloud with the help of the Azure ExpressRoute service, which comprises private network connections. ExpressRoute, an Azure service designed for private connections, guarantees increased security. ExpressRoute also provides faster speeds and lower latency when compared to standard Internet connections. Additionally, there is a lower chance that the connection may fail.
Azure ExpressRoute provides connections with a bandwidth of up to 100 gigabits per second. Users who often and quickly transmit data are the target market for the service. In addition, it comprises catastrophe recovery or business data transfer situations. Therefore, Azure ExpressRoute is a crucial component for maintaining high availability.
Applications in high-performance computing and the transfer of large volumes of data for VMs between a development and/or test environment and a local production environment are additional application areas for quick private connections with Azure ExpressRoute. Additionally, Azure ExpressRoute provides a private cloud for backup and storage. For instance, a development environment may be provided using it. Large volumes of data can also be exchanged from here with the nearby production environment using a private connection.
Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 are accessible by connecting to Microsoft Cloud services. Secure internet access is a feature of Microsoft 365. Therefore, for specific cases, the manufacturer advises using Azure ExpressRoute. Although you may establish a dependable, fast connection to MS Azure away from the public internet with the aid of an Azure ExpressRoute, it is fundamentally different from a traditional VPN connection over the internet. The table below highlights the most significant variations.
ExpressRoute Connectivity Options
With the help of four distinct network connectivity options, ExpressRoute provides private peering.
Point-to-Point Network Model
A dedicated connection between two points, like between an on-premises data center and/or an Azure region, is established by an organization under this model. This connection, which is not shared with other organizations, can send data between the two points.
Any-to-Any Network Model
According to this model, to connect to other networks and services, an organization must first create a connection to an exchange point like a network exchange or internet exchange. Organizations may communicate data with various partners thanks to this model, which enables them to build connections with numerous partners and service providers.
Virtual Cross-Connection Network Model
This model and the any-to-any model are comparable. However, instead of a physical cable, it uses virtual cross-connections, which are logical connections that let organizations connect to several networks and services.
ExpressRoute Direct Connection
The on-premises resources of an organization are connected to Azure over a dedicated, private connection under this model. This connection is established via a private circuit or leased line and is not shared with other organizations. Because it provides high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity, this model benefits organizations that need to transmit significant volumes of data between their on-premises resources & Azure.
Azure ExpressRoute Features
Here are a few of Azure ExpressRoute’s key features.
Connectivity To Different Azure Regions
ExpressRoute supports different Azure regions. These are geographically dispersed data centers with networking, processing, and storage capabilities. Users choose a certain place when Azure builds a specific resource. Which Azure data center or region the resource is produced in depends on its storage location.
ExpressRoute from Microsoft leverages the BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) standard protocol to support dynamic routing. Routes may be exchanged between local networks, Azure instances, and publicly accessible Microsoft addresses. In addition, the network can set up several BGP sessions for various data traffic profiles.
ExpressRoute Local
If users enable a local SKU, ExpressRoute may be used for cheap data transfers. (stock-keeping unit; here: unique identification). Thanks to local SKUs, the data may be sent to one of the ExpressRoute locations near the desired Azure region. Data transmission is already included in the port price as a component of ExpressRoute Local.
ExpressRoute Global Reach
Exchanges between several local locations may be made using the ExpressRoute Global Reach function. It is employed, for instance, when users run many private data centers in various locations. Using ExpressRoute connections, these data centers may be linked. The Microsoft network is used to carry the generated data traffic between data centers.
Physical Isolation
ExpressRoute Direct provides physical isolation as an option to address the difficulties of many sensitive sectors. This physical seclusion is especially well suited for communicating private information in businesses like banking or government organizations. Additionally, power distribution may be accurately managed and customized to the needs of various business units.
ExpressRoute Main Benefits
ExpressRoute allows private, high-bandwidth, low-latency networking between Azure regions or Azure and on-premises data centers. Compared to connecting to Azure through the open internet, it gives several advantages.
Improved Security
ExpressRoute provides sophisticated multi-layer security protections to safeguard your resources. Additionally, since connections do not use the open internet, they are less susceptible to security threats and assaults.
Lower Latency
For applications needing quick reaction times, ExpressRoute connections offer lower latency than connections over the open internet, which might be beneficial. At one of the ExpressRoute sites, each connection in ExpressRoute has two connections, each with two MSEEs (Microsoft Enterprise Edge Routers). Additionally, users have the option to choose not to provide redundant connections. However, redundant equipment is used by connectivity providers themselves. It is done to ensure that Microsoft receives a redundant connection.
Increased Bandwidth
It is beneficial for applications that need to move a lot of data since ExpressRoute connections can provide more bandwidth than is generally accessible via the public internet.
Better Compliance And Control
ExpressRoute can assist organizations in meeting compliance demands that a shared internet connection might not be able to. In addition, organizations may modify their network infrastructure to meet their unique needs with ExpressRoute, giving them more control over it.
Integration With On-premises Resources
Organizations may effortlessly combine Azure services with their on-premises resources thanks to ExpressRoute service. In addition, using Azure ExpressRoute, existing data centers’ capacity may be increased or linked.
How To Set Up Azure ExpressRoute?
Setting up Azure ExpressRoute entails several steps and necessitates establishing the necessary connections with the aid of a qualified Azure partner.
Determine Connectivity Requirements
Determining your connectivity needs, such as the bandwidth and locations you need to connect to, is the foremost step in setting up Azure ExpressRoute. After that, compliance mandates or other limitations affecting your connectivity options, such as price, would be best. Then, you can calculate the projected cost using the Azure price calculator.
Choose Connectivity Provider
Through Microsoft-certified connectivity providers like network service providers (aka NSPs), internet service providers (aka ISPs), or other partners, ExpressRoute connections can be established. Choose a provider who is accessible in the locations where you need to connect and can meet your connectivity needs.
Purchase ExpressRoute Circuit
It would be best to acquire an ExpressRoute circuit once you’ve decided on a connectivity provider. The circuit is a dedicated connection that transfers data between your on-premises resources and Azure.
Configure ExpressRoute Circuit
You must configure the circuit after purchasing it by your connectivity needs. For example, the circuit’s bandwidth, locations, and other options may need to be specified.
Set Up A Connection To Azure
After setting up the circuit, you must configure the Azure connection. Making an ExpressRoute resource in Azure and connecting it to the circuit will be required. The routing and networking parameters for the connection must also be configured.
Test And Verify Connection
You should test and confirm the connection when it is set up to ensure it functions as it should. For example, transferring data between your on-premises resources and Azure and checking that it is transmitted appropriately may be necessary.
Conclusion:
When deciding on significant infrastructure upgrades, you must have as much knowledge as possible. Knowing the most crucial components of the business is necessary for this situation while selecting whether or not to upgrade the infrastructure. As a result, Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Service is unquestionably positioned as one of the top services that provide a dedicated and secure connection when you consider services capable of safely enabling large-scale data transfer and attending to what the business demands.