Azure ExpressRoute: High-Speed Private Connections
Azure ExpressRoute provides private, high-throughput, low-latency connections between your on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure, as well as Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.
Key Benefits of Azure ExpressRoute
- Global Reach: Connect to Azure from anywhere in the world through a vast network of partners and peering locations.
- Reliability and Performance: Offers guaranteed uptime and consistent performance with dedicated bandwidth options up to 100 Gbps.
- Enhanced Security: Data travels over a private connection, bypassing the public internet, thus reducing exposure to threats.
- Cost Efficiency: Predictable pricing and potential cost savings compared to public internet bandwidth and VPN gateway costs for large-scale deployments.
- Hybrid Cloud Enablement: Seamlessly integrate your on-premises data centers with Azure services for a true hybrid cloud experience.
How ExpressRoute Works
ExpressRoute connections do not go over the public internet. Instead, they route through a connectivity provider, a network exchange provider, or a colocation provider. This provides a more reliable and faster network experience.
Important Note: ExpressRoute is ideal for applications and services that require high throughput, consistent latency, and enhanced security. It is a dedicated connection that differs significantly from VPN over the public internet.
Connectivity Models
There are three main connectivity models for ExpressRoute:
- Partner Co-location: Connect from an ExpressRoute partner's co-location facility to a Microsoft network edge.
- Any-to-Any (IP VPN): Connect through an MPLS-based VPN from a network provider that is part of the ExpressRoute Microsoft Peering.
- Direct Cloud Exchange Co-location: Connect from a co-location facility to a Microsoft Enterprise Edge (MSEE) router, without needing a dedicated ExpressRoute circuit from a connectivity provider.
Use Cases for ExpressRoute
- Large data transfers between on-premises and Azure.
- Business-critical applications requiring consistent low latency.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity solutions.
- Hybrid cloud scenarios integrating legacy systems with cloud services.
- Compliance requirements that mandate private network connections.
Technical Considerations
When planning your ExpressRoute deployment, consider the following:
- Bandwidth: Choose a bandwidth that meets your application's throughput needs.
- Redundancy: Implement redundant circuits for high availability.
- Peering: Understand the differences between Microsoft peering, Azure private peering, and Azure public peering.
- Provider Selection: Choose a connectivity provider that meets your geographic and technical requirements.
Explore the detailed technical documentation and configuration guides to get started with Azure ExpressRoute.
Configure ExpressRoute ExpressRoute Pricing