ExpressRoute Connectivity Providers
Azure ExpressRoute offers private connections between your on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure. To establish these connections, you can leverage a global network of connectivity providers. These providers facilitate the physical link from your location to an ExpressRoute peering location.
Why Choose a Connectivity Provider?
Working with an ExpressRoute connectivity provider offers several advantages:
- Simplified Connectivity: Providers handle the complex process of establishing physical and logical connections to the Azure network.
- Global Reach: Access a vast network of supported providers and peering locations worldwide.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Many providers offer their own SLAs for their connectivity services, complementing Azure's SLAs.
- Dedicated Bandwidth: Ensure consistent and predictable network performance with dedicated bandwidth options.
- Additional Services: Some providers offer value-added services like managed network solutions, traffic optimization, and enhanced security.
How to Select a Provider
When choosing a connectivity provider, consider the following factors:
- Location: Ensure the provider has a Point of Presence (PoP) in a location convenient to your network infrastructure and close to an ExpressRoute peering location.
- Supported Services: Verify that the provider supports the ExpressRoute circuits and configurations you need (e.g., Premium Add-on, Local).
- Bandwidth Options: Confirm that the provider offers the bandwidth speeds that meet your application requirements.
- Pricing: Compare pricing models, including setup fees, monthly charges, and any data transfer costs.
- Support and Reliability: Evaluate the provider's support infrastructure and their track record for reliability and uptime.
Supported ExpressRoute Connectivity Providers
Microsoft has partnered with a wide range of leading telecommunication and network service providers. Below is a list of some of our global partners. For the most up-to-date and complete list, please refer to the official Azure documentation or the Azure portal.
North America
| Provider Name | Region Served | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | North America | att.com |
| Verizon | North America | verizon.com |
| CenturyLink | North America | centurylink.com |
| Cogent Communications | North America, Europe | cogentco.com |
Europe
| Provider Name | Region Served | Website |
|---|---|---|
| BT | Europe | bt.com |
| Colt | Europe | colt.net |
| Lumen Technologies | Europe, North America | lumen.com |
Asia Pacific
| Provider Name | Region Served | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | Asia Pacific | telstra.com.au |
| NTT Communications | Asia Pacific | ntt.com |
Once you have chosen a provider, you will work with them to provision an ExpressRoute circuit. This typically involves ordering the circuit, specifying the desired bandwidth and port speed, and selecting the peering location.
After the physical circuit is active, you can then configure your ExpressRoute connection within the Azure portal.