Amazon Direct Connect uses Ethernet fiber-optic connections to create virtual interfaces to AWS services, bypassing internet service providers. It connects to an AWS Direct Connect facility and offers connectivity to AWS in the corresponding Region. A single connection in a public Region or AWS GovCloud (US) can be used to access public Amazon services in all other public Regions.
FAQ: Amazon Direct Connect
Are you considering Amazon Direct Connect for your company? Here are some frequently asked questions about the service:
WHAT is Amazon Direct Connect?
Amazon Direct Connect is a network service offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows you to establish a dedicated network connection from your on-premises network to AWS. This service provides a faster and more reliable connection than a standard internet connection, allowing you to transfer large amounts of data in a secure manner.
How Does Amazon Direct Connect Work?
A normal Ethernet fiber-optic connection is used by Amazon Direct Connect to connect your internal network to an AWS Direct Connect facility. The cable is attached to your router on one end and to an Amazon Direct Connect router on the other. Bypassing internet service providers in your network path, you can construct virtual interfaces to public AWS services using this connection (for instance, to Amazon S3 or Amazon VPC). An AWS Direct Connect location offers connectivity to AWS in the corresponding Region. To access public Amazon services in all other public Regions, you can use a single connection in a public Region or AWS GovCloud (US).
What are the Benefits of Amazon Direct Connect?
There are several benefits to using Amazon Direct Connect:
- Higher speed and reliability: Since the connection is over a dedicated, direct network, it eliminates the uncertainty of internet traffic and ensures a stable and consistent experience.
- Better Security: As the connection is private, it lowers the risk of security breaches by protecting against DDoS attacks and other internet-based threats.
- Reduced Costs: A dedicated network connection eliminates the need for expensive hardware, maintenance, and support associated with a traditional internet connection.
What Kind of Applications Benefit from Amazon Direct Connect?
Amazon Direct Connect is a great service for enterprises that require a high-speed, secure, and reliable connection to AWS. Applications for which Amazon Direct Connect can be beneficial include:
- Data streaming and data migration applications
- Applications with large file transfers
- Applications that demand low-latency connectivity to AWS
- Applications that require a high degree of security and regulatory compliance
Is Amazon Direct Connect Easy to Set Up?
Setting up Amazon Direct Connect is straightforward and involves a few simple steps:
- Create a Virtual Private Gateway (VGW) and a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) in AWS
- Configure your on-premises network to provide connectivity to the VGW
- Create a connection in AWS and connect it to your VGW
- Verify that the connection is established and working correctly
The final outcome
Amazon Direct Connect is a valuable service that provides a secure, high-speed, and reliable connection to AWS. It’s an excellent choice for companies that require a private network connection for their applications and services.
