Virtual Networks - ExpressRoute
Azure ExpressRoute lets you extend your on-premises networks into the Microsoft cloud over a private connection facilitated by a connectivity provider. This connection offers lower latency, higher throughput, and greater reliability than typical internet connections.
Key Benefits of ExpressRoute
- Increased Reliability: Dedicated, private connections bypass the public internet, ensuring consistent performance and availability.
- Higher Throughput: Support for higher bandwidth speeds, crucial for demanding workloads like data warehousing and large-scale data transfers.
- Lower Latency: Reduced network latency when connecting your on-premises resources to Azure services.
- Enhanced Security: Private connections do not traverse the public internet, providing an additional layer of security.
- Microsoft Peering: Enables connectivity to Microsoft 365 services like Office 365 and Dynamics 365.
How ExpressRoute Works
ExpressRoute connections are established through a network provider. You work with a supported ExpressRoute partner to provision a circuit from your on-premises network to an ExpressRoute location (co-location facility). This circuit connects your network to Microsoft's global network.
Note: You must have an existing relationship with a supported ExpressRoute partner to establish a connection. Refer to the list of ExpressRoute partners for more information.
ExpressRoute Circuit Types
ExpressRoute offers different circuit types and bandwidth options to meet varying needs:
- Standard Circuit: Provides connectivity to Azure services and Microsoft 365 services.
- Premium Circuit: Offers global connectivity and allows for more routes.
Bandwidth options range from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps, depending on your provider and circuit type.
Key Components
- ExpressRoute Circuit: The physical or logical connection established through a connectivity provider.
- Local, Metropolitan, or Global: The geographical scope of your ExpressRoute connectivity.
- Provider: A network service provider that offers ExpressRoute connectivity.
- Peering Locations: Co-location facilities where you can connect to the Microsoft network.
Configuring ExpressRoute
Configuring ExpressRoute involves several steps:
- Choose a connectivity provider: Select a provider and location that best suits your needs.
- Order an ExpressRoute circuit: Work with your provider to provision the circuit.
- Configure circuit peering: Set up BGP sessions for private, public, or Microsoft peering.
- Connect your network: Establish the physical or VPN connection from your on-premises network to the Microsoft edge.
- Configure Azure Virtual Network Gateway: Link your Azure virtual network to the ExpressRoute circuit.
Tip: For optimal performance and redundancy, consider setting up ExpressRoute circuits in multiple peering locations.
Use Cases
ExpressRoute is ideal for scenarios such as:
- Migrating large data workloads to Azure.
- Connecting on-premises data centers to Azure for hybrid cloud solutions.
- Ensuring predictable performance for critical applications hosted in Azure.
- Achieving regulatory compliance by maintaining private network connectivity.
Pricing
ExpressRoute pricing is based on the circuit bandwidth, data transfer, and peering type. For detailed information, please refer to the Azure ExpressRoute pricing page.
Warning: ExpressRoute does not provide encryption. If you need to encrypt your traffic, you must implement encryption at the application or transport layer (e.g., IPsec).
Explore the full documentation for detailed configuration guides, best practices, and troubleshooting tips.