Understanding ExpressRoute Bandwidth Pricing
Azure ExpressRoute provides dedicated, private connections between your on-premises infrastructure or co-location environment and Microsoft Azure. The pricing for ExpressRoute bandwidth is primarily based on the speed you provision for your ExpressRoute circuit.
Provisioned Bandwidth Tiers
You select a specific bandwidth tier when you create your ExpressRoute circuit. This tier dictates the maximum throughput your circuit can support. Common tiers include:
- 50 Mbps
- 100 Mbps
- 200 Mbps
- 500 Mbps
- 1 Gbps
- 2 Gbps
- 5 Gbps
- 10 Gbps
Higher bandwidth tiers come with a higher monthly charge.
Pricing Model
ExpressRoute bandwidth pricing typically follows a model that includes:
- Monthly Port Charge: A fixed monthly fee based on the bandwidth speed you provision. This is the primary component of the bandwidth cost.
- Data Transfer Fees: While the provisioned bandwidth has a monthly charge, actual data transfer may incur additional costs depending on your region and the specific ExpressRoute offering (e.g., Standard vs. Premium). Refer to the general ExpressRoute pricing page for details on data transfer.
Example Pricing Table (Illustrative)
The following table provides an illustrative example of monthly port charges. Actual pricing may vary by region. Please consult the official Azure pricing calculator for precise, up-to-date costs for your location.
| Bandwidth Speed | Estimated Monthly Port Charge (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | $100 - $200 | Suitable for smaller workloads or testing. |
| 100 Mbps | $200 - $400 | A common choice for moderate business needs. |
| 200 Mbps | $350 - $700 | Increased capacity for growing applications. |
| 500 Mbps | $700 - $1400 | For significant application and data transfer. |
| 1 Gbps | $1200 - $2400 | High-performance connectivity. |
| 2 Gbps | $2000 - $4000 | Enterprise-grade bandwidth. |
| 5 Gbps | $4000 - $8000 | Maximum capacity for large-scale deployments. |
| 10 Gbps | $7000 - $14000 | For the most demanding network requirements. |
Factors Influencing Cost
- Region: Pricing for Azure services can differ significantly between geographical regions.
- Provider: If you are using a partner for connectivity, their specific pricing for ExpressRoute services will apply.
- Service Tier: While this page focuses on bandwidth, note that the ExpressRoute Premium add-on has its own associated costs for features like global connectivity and additional routes.
Optimizing Bandwidth Costs
- Right-Sizing: Accurately assess your current and projected bandwidth needs to avoid over-provisioning. Monitor your network traffic to make informed decisions.
- Scaling: You can scale your ExpressRoute bandwidth up or down as your requirements change, though this may involve downtime or specific provisioning steps.
- Data Compression: Implement data compression techniques where appropriate to reduce the amount of data transferred, potentially lowering overall data transfer costs if applicable.
For the most detailed and region-specific pricing, please refer to the official Azure ExpressRoute pricing page and the Azure Pricing Calculator.