Azure ExpressRoute Gateway
Azure ExpressRoute enables you to create private connections between Azure datacenters and infrastructure that is either on-premises or in a colocation environment. ExpressRoute connections do not go over the public Internet, and offer higher security, reliability, and speeds. ExpressRoute offers lower latencies and higher speeds than typical Internet connections.
Note: ExpressRoute Gateway is a prerequisite for establishing an ExpressRoute circuit connection to your Azure Virtual Network.
Key Concepts
What is an ExpressRoute Gateway?
An ExpressRoute gateway is a specific type of virtual network gateway that is used for ExpressRoute connections. It resides within your virtual network and acts as the endpoint for your ExpressRoute circuit. When you create an ExpressRoute circuit and connect it to your on-premises network, traffic flows through this gateway.
Benefits of ExpressRoute
- Increased Reliability: Dedicated, private connections bypass the public Internet, offering predictable performance and reduced downtime.
- Higher Bandwidth: Support for higher bandwidth options compared to typical VPN connections, suitable for large data transfers and demanding applications.
- Lower Latency: Direct, optimized paths result in lower latency, crucial for real-time applications and hybrid cloud scenarios.
- Enhanced Security: Private connections prevent data from traversing the public Internet, increasing security.
- Global Reach: Connect to Azure datacenters worldwide through a network of connectivity partners.
When to Use an ExpressRoute Gateway
- You need to connect your on-premises network to Azure with higher reliability, security, and speeds than a VPN connection can provide.
- You are migrating large workloads to Azure and require consistent, high-bandwidth connectivity.
- You need to implement a hybrid cloud strategy that relies on a robust and private network connection.
- Compliance requirements mandate that sensitive data does not traverse the public Internet.
ExpressRoute Gateway SKUs
ExpressRoute gateways come in various SKUs, each offering different performance levels and capabilities. The choice of SKU depends on your bandwidth requirements and the number of virtual network peerings you intend to configure.
| SKU | Max Bandwidth (Gbps) | Max Circuits | MSRP (USD/Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 | 1 | $0.18/hour* |
| HighPerformance.10G | 10 | 4 | $0.43/hour* |
| UltraPerformance.10G | 10 | 10 | $0.72/hour* |
*Prices are approximate and may vary. Refer to the pricing page for details.
Creating an ExpressRoute Gateway
You can create an ExpressRoute gateway using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, or Azure PowerShell. The process typically involves:
- Navigating to your virtual network.
- Selecting "ExpressRoute gateway" from the settings.
- Configuring the gateway name, SKU, and selecting the virtual network.
For detailed steps, refer to the Create ExpressRoute Gateway documentation.
Tip: Plan your bandwidth needs carefully. You can upgrade your gateway SKU if your requirements change, but it might involve a gateway recreation.
Managing Your ExpressRoute Gateway
Once created, you can manage your ExpressRoute gateway through the Azure portal. This includes tasks such as:
- Monitoring gateway health and performance.
- Updating gateway configurations.
- Deleting the gateway if no longer needed.
- Associating or dissociating ExpressRoute circuits.
See the Manage ExpressRoute Gateway article for comprehensive management instructions.