What is Microsoft Azure Direct Connect?

Microsoft Azure Direct Connect, commonly known as Azure ExpressRoute, is a service that enables a private connection between your on-premises infrastructure or colocation environment and a Microsoft Azure data center. Unlike typical internet connections, Azure ExpressRoute connections do not go over the public Internet, providing greater reliability, faster speeds, lower latencies, and higher security. This service acts like a point-to-point private internet connection from point A to point Z. Point A is generally a data center or HQ where the servers are currently. Point Z is a Microsoft Azure data center that can be located in the United States or internationally. To explore the different Microsoft Azure regions and availability zones, you can visit the Azure regions and availability zones page on Microsoft's website. It is recommended to pick a location that is relatively close to the company's HQ/Data Center, but far enough away if a storm were to hit that specific area. We have also had clients who have leveraged multiple ISP Azure connections for ISP diversity and redundancy.

When is Azure Direct Connect Needed?

1. High-Performance Requirements
2. Security and Privacy
3. Large-Scale Data Transfers
4. Hybrid Cloud Architectures
5. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
6. Compliance and Regulatory Needs

Benefits of Azure Direct Connect

• Reliability: Direct Connect provides more consistent network performance with dedicated bandwidth, reducing the unpredictability of public internet connections.
• Security: It enhances security by establishing a private connection, minimizing the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
• Performance: With lower latency and higher bandwidth, it supports performance-sensitive applications and workloads.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Large-scale data transfers can be more cost-effective by avoiding data transfer charges associated with internet-based transfers.

Summary

Azure Direct Connect (Azure ExpressRoute) is essential for scenarios demanding high performance, enhanced security, and reliable connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and Azure cloud services. It supports hybrid cloud deployments, large-scale data migrations, business continuity strategies, and compliance with industry regulations.