Azure ExpressRoute: Overview and Benefits
Azure ExpressRoute lets you extend your on-premises networks into the Microsoft cloud over a private connection, facilitated by a connectivity provider. ExpressRoute provides a secure, reliable, and high-throughput connection between your premises and Azure. It does not go over the public internet, offering lower latencies and higher speeds than typical internet connections.
- Reliability: Dedicated, predictable performance.
- Security: Private connection, not over the public internet.
- Speed: Higher bandwidth options available, up to 100 Gbps.
- Cost Savings: Can reduce data transfer costs compared to public internet egress.
- Hybrid Cloud Integration: Seamlessly connect on-premises resources with Azure services.
When to Use ExpressRoute
ExpressRoute is ideal for scenarios requiring:
- Consistent network performance for critical applications.
- Large data transfers between on-premises and Azure.
- Meeting compliance requirements that mandate private connectivity.
- Connecting to Microsoft 365 services privately.
Core Components of ExpressRoute
An ExpressRoute circuit is the logical connection between your network and Microsoft's network. It involves several key components:
Connectivity Providers
Microsoft partners with a global set of network service providers to offer ExpressRoute connectivity. You choose a provider that has a Point of Presence (POP) in your desired location.
Provider's Network
The connectivity provider's network connects your premises to the Microsoft edge routers.
Microsoft's Network
Microsoft's global network backbone connects various Azure regions and services.
ExpressRoute Circuits
Once provisioned, an ExpressRoute circuit is configured with specific bandwidth and peering options.
Configuring ExpressRoute
Setting up ExpressRoute involves planning and configuration steps:
1. Choose a Service Provider and Location
Identify a connectivity provider and a POP location that meets your geographic and technical requirements.
2. Order an ExpressRoute Circuit
Work with your chosen provider to order an ExpressRoute circuit. This includes specifying the desired bandwidth (e.g., 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 100 Gbps).
3. Provisioning and Connectivity
The provider will establish the physical connection to the POP and configure the circuit.
4. Configure Peering
You'll need to configure peering on your ExpressRoute circuit. The most common types are:
- Azure Public Peering: For accessing public Azure services (e.g., Blob Storage, public endpoints of VMs).
- Azure Private Peering: For accessing Azure resources within your Virtual Networks (VNets). This is typically the primary peering for hybrid connectivity.
- Microsoft Peering: For accessing Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Exchange Online, SharePoint Online) and other PaaS services.
5. Integrate with your Network
Configure your on-premises routers and Azure Virtual Network gateways to establish BGP sessions and route traffic over the ExpressRoute circuit.
This is a simplified representation of BGP configuration commands.
router bgp 65001
neighbor 10.1.1.1 remote-as 12076
neighbor 10.1.1.1 password YOUR_PASSWORD
!
address-family ipv4 unicast
neighbor 10.1.1.1 activate
exit-address-family
Consult your router vendor documentation and Azure ExpressRoute documentation for specific commands.
ExpressRoute Global Reach
ExpressRoute Global Reach extends the benefits of ExpressRoute to your on-premises sites. It allows you to connect your on-premises data centers or campus networks to each other through Azure, using ExpressRoute circuits. This can simplify your network topology by eliminating the need for MPLS WAN backhauling.
Key Features of Global Reach:
- Connects two or more on-premises networks through Azure.
- Uses your existing ExpressRoute circuits.
- Provides a secure, private path between your sites.
Monitoring and Management
Azure provides tools to monitor the health, performance, and utilization of your ExpressRoute circuits. Use the Azure portal, Azure Monitor, and resource logs for insights.