Azure Networking Connectivity

This section provides comprehensive documentation on how to establish and manage network connectivity within Azure and between Azure and your on-premises environments.

Key Connectivity Scenarios

Azure offers a robust set of services to ensure seamless and secure network connectivity. Here are some of the primary scenarios:

1. Virtual Network (VNet) Peering

VNet peering enables you to connect two Azure virtual networks privately through the Azure backbone network. Traffic between the peered VNets is private and remains between the Microsoft backbone network. This allows resources in different VNets to communicate as if they were in the same network.

Benefits:

Low latency and high bandwidth.
No need for complex network appliances like VPN gateways.
Resources in one VNet can access resources in another VNet.

VNet Peering Configuration Example (Conceptual)

To configure VNet peering, you typically define peering settings on both the local and remote virtual networks, specifying parameters such as:

Microsoft.Network/virtualNetworks/virtualNetworkPeerings/name
remoteVirtualNetwork.id
allowVirtualNetworkAccess
allowForwardedTraffic
allowGatewayTransit
useRemoteGateways

For detailed steps, refer to Configuring VNet Peering.

2. Site-to-Site VPN Gateway

A Site-to-Site VPN (S2S VPN) connection allows you to connect your on-premises network to your Azure VNet through an IPsec/IKE VPN tunnel. This is a common solution for hybrid cloud scenarios where you need to extend your on-premises infrastructure to Azure.

Key Components:

Azure VPN Gateway: A managed service in Azure that handles VPN connections.
On-premises VPN Device: A compatible network device at your physical location.
IPsec/IKE Protocol: Standard protocols used to secure the tunnel.

Tip: Ensure your on-premises VPN device is compatible with Azure VPN Gateway by checking the list of supported devices.

3. ExpressRoute

Azure ExpressRoute provides dedicated, private connections between your on-premises infrastructure and Azure. It offers higher reliability, faster speeds, and lower latencies than typical internet connections, making it ideal for mission-critical workloads and large data transfers.

Key Features:

Higher reliability and predictable performance.
Increased security through private connectivity.
Ability to connect to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 services.

ExpressRoute connections are established through connectivity partners. You can choose from different peering locations and service providers.

4. Azure Virtual WAN

Azure Virtual WAN is a networking service that brings many Azure networking, security, and routing functionalities together in a single operational interface. It simplifies the management of global WANs by automating the deployment and configuration of networking resources.

Use Cases:

Connecting branch offices and data centers to Azure.
Interconnecting VNets across different regions.
Centralized security policies and routing.

Connectivity Services Comparison

Choosing the right connectivity solution depends on your specific requirements for security, performance, and cost.

Service Comparison Table (Simplified)

Feature	VNet Peering	S2S VPN	ExpressRoute
Connectivity Type	Azure VNet to VNet	On-Premises to Azure VNet	On-Premises to Azure
Performance	High	Moderate	Very High
Security	Private (Microsoft Backbone)	Encrypted (IPsec)	Private (Dedicated Line)
Cost	Low (Data transfer)	Moderate (Gateway, data transfer)	High (Port fees, partner costs)