What is Azure ExpressRoute?

Azure ExpressRoute is a dedicated, private connection between on-premises infrastructure and Azure data centers. It allows organizations to extend their on-premises network to Azure through a private, high-speed, low-latency connection that bypasses the public internet. With Azure ExpressRoute, businesses can achieve higher security, reliability, and performance for their critical business workloads.

Azure ExpressRoute can be set up in various ways, including via a physical cross-connect at a co-location facility, a point-to-point Ethernet connection, or a virtual cross-connection over a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. It is available in multiple speed options, ranging from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps, and offers the flexibility to scale up or down as needed.

Some of the benefits of Azure ExpressRoute include the following:

1. Private and secure connectivity: ExpressRoute provides a dedicated connection to Azure that bypasses the public internet, ensuring that sensitive data and workloads are protected from potential security threats.
2. Reliable performance: ExpressRoute provides a consistent, reliable connection with low latency, making it ideal for applications that require high levels of performance and availability.
3. Hybrid cloud flexibility: ExpressRoute enables organizations to extend their on-premises network to Azure, making it easy to integrate with existing IT infrastructure and manage hybrid cloud environments.
4. Cost savings: ExpressRoute can help organizations reduce data transfer costs by bypassing the public internet and reducing the need for expensive dedicated lines.

To get started with Azure ExpressRoute, organizations need to work with a connectivity provider to establish a connection to Azure. Microsoft provides a list of approved connectivity providers, and organizations can choose the provider and connection type that best fits their needs.

In summary, Azure ExpressRoute is a powerful solution for organizations looking to connect their on-premises infrastructure to Azure. It provides private, secure, and reliable connectivity with low latency, making it ideal for high-performance workloads. With multiple speed options and flexible deployment models, ExpressRoute offers the flexibility to scale up or down as needed and integrate with existing IT infrastructure, making it a valuable tool for hybrid cloud environments.