Azure ExpressRoute Documentation

Introduction to Azure ExpressRoute

Azure ExpressRoute provides a private and dedicated connection between your on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure. It offers higher bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced reliability compared to standard internet connections. This connection is established through a connectivity provider at an ExpressRoute peering location.

ExpressRoute circuits are provisioned by network partners. You can connect to Azure by choosing a connectivity partner and a location that offers ExpressRoute. Your partner will connect you to the Azure edge, and from there, Microsoft provides the connectivity into Azure datacenters.

Key Concepts

Connectivity Providers

A connectivity provider is a network service provider that offers ExpressRoute connectivity to Azure. You choose a provider and a location to establish your ExpressRoute circuit.

Peering Locations

These are the physical locations where network providers connect to Microsoft's global network. You can connect to Azure via a supported ExpressRoute peering location.

ExpressRoute Circuit

An ExpressRoute circuit is a logical connection that connects your on-premises network to Azure through a connectivity provider. Circuits have different bandwidth options and service level agreements (SLAs).

Peering Types

  • Azure Public Peering: Allows access to public Azure services (e.g., Storage, Web Apps) over the public internet.
  • Azure Private Peering: Allows access to Azure resources within your virtual networks (e.g., Virtual Machines, Load Balancers) over a private connection.
  • Microsoft Peering: Allows access to Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams) and Dynamics 365.

Benefits of Azure ExpressRoute

  • High Bandwidth & Low Latency: Ideal for large data transfers and latency-sensitive applications.
  • Enhanced Reliability: Dedicated connection with built-in redundancy ensures consistent performance.
  • Improved Security: Traffic bypasses the public internet, reducing exposure to threats.
  • Predictable Performance: No throttling or congestion associated with public internet connections.
  • Cost Savings: Can reduce data egress costs from Azure for large transfers.

Common Use Cases

  • Hybrid Cloud Deployments: Seamlessly extend your datacenter to Azure.
  • Disaster Recovery: Ensure reliable connectivity for DR solutions.
  • Large Data Transfers: Move massive datasets between on-premises and Azure.
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC): Support demanding computational workloads.
  • Access to Microsoft 365: Optimize performance and security for M365 services.

Getting Started with ExpressRoute

To get started with Azure ExpressRoute, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a Connectivity Provider: Select a partner from the list of ExpressRoute partners.
  2. Select a Peering Location: Choose a location that is geographically close to your on-premises network and Azure region.
  3. Order an ExpressRoute Circuit: Work with your provider to provision a circuit.
  4. Configure ExpressRoute in Azure: Create an ExpressRoute circuit resource in your Azure subscription.
  5. Configure your Network: Set up BGP peering and routing between your on-premises network and Azure.

Important Note

The setup process involves coordination between your organization, your connectivity provider, and Microsoft. Ensure clear communication for a smooth deployment.

Configuration Example (BGP)

Here's a simplified example of BGP configuration commands you might use on your router:


    router bgp 65001
     neighbor 10.1.1.2 remote-as 12076
     address-family ipv4 unicast
      network 192.168.1.0 mask 255.255.255.0
     exit-address-family
    !
    router bgp 65001
     neighbor 20.1.1.2 remote-as 65515
     address-family ipv4 unicast
      network 192.168.2.0 mask 255.255.255.0
     exit-address-family

Pricing Information

ExpressRoute pricing is based on the following factors:

  • Circuit Bandwidth: Higher bandwidths incur higher costs.
  • Data Transfer: Typically includes a monthly fee for the circuit plus charges based on data processed. Some plans offer unlimited data.
  • Ports: Charges may apply for the physical ports at the peering location.

For detailed pricing, please refer to the official Azure ExpressRoute pricing page.

Support and Resources