66. Direct Connect Configuration

Setting up Direct Connect is an essential part of setting up servers on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Direct Connect is a service that enables a dedicated network connection between your IT environment and AWS. This service is especially useful for companies that need a reliable, fast and secure network connection to AWS.

Before you begin configuring Direct Connect, it is important to understand a few key concepts. The first is the location of Direct Connect. This is the physical facility where AWS has a network presence. You can establish a dedicated network connection between your network and the Direct Connect location.

The second concept is the Direct Connect connection. This is the physical connection between your network and the Direct Connect location. AWS offers several connection capacity options, ranging from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps.

The third concept is the virtual interface. This is the VLAN that carries traffic between your network and AWS. You can create private virtual interfaces to access your AWS resources, or public virtual interfaces to access public AWS services.

To configure Direct Connect, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to order a Direct Connect connection. You can do this through the AWS console by selecting the Direct Connect location and connection capacity. AWS will then provide you with an authorization letter, which you can use to coordinate the installation of the connection with your data center or network service provider.

Once the connection is established, you need to create a virtual interface. You can do this through the AWS console by selecting the Direct Connect connection and providing the required information such as the VLAN ID and IP address.

Once the virtual interface is created, you need to configure the routing. For a private virtual interface, you need to configure BGP routing between your network and AWS. For a public virtual interface, AWS will provide a set of public routes that you can propagate to your network.

Finally, you need to test the connection. You can do this through the AWS console, checking the connection and virtual interface status. You can also send test traffic to AWS and verify that it is being received correctly.

Setting up Direct Connect can be a complex process, but it is essential to ensuring a reliable, fast, and secure network connection to AWS. With a clear understanding of key concepts and a detailed walkthrough, you can configure Direct Connect efficiently and effectively.

In summary, configuring Direct Connect involves requesting a connection, creating a virtual interface, configuring routing, and testing the connection. Each step requires a clear understanding of key concepts and careful attention to detail. However, with practice and experience, configuring Direct Connect can become a routine and manageable task.

With Direct Connect, you can establish a dedicated network connection between your network and AWS, providing a reliable, fast, and secure network connection. This connection is essential for companies that depend on AWS to run their daily operations and need a high quality network connection to do so.

Next page of the Free Ebook:

67Benefits of using Direct Connect

3 minutes