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AWS Direct Connect vs Site-to-Site VPN — Connectivity Options
AWS Direct Connect and Site-to-Site VPN are services for establishing secure connections between on-premises networks and AWS.
What it is
- AWS Direct Connect: A dedicated network connection from your premises to AWS. Provides consistent performance and lower latency.
- Site-to-Site VPN: A secure connection over the Internet between your on-premises network and AWS. Uses IPsec to encrypt traffic.
When I reach for it
- Direct Connect: When low latency, high bandwidth, and a consistent network experience are critical.
- Site-to-Site VPN: When you need a quick, cost-effective solution that leverages existing internet connections.
Key architectural decisions
- Bandwidth Requirements: Choose Direct Connect for higher throughput (up to 100 Gbps) vs. Site-to-Site VPN (up to 1.25 Gbps).
- Cost: Direct Connect incurs port charges and data transfer fees, while Site-to-Site VPN primarily incurs data transfer charges.
- Redundancy: Implement multiple Direct Connect connections for high availability; use VPN as a backup.
Gotchas & exam traps
- VPN Overheads: VPN introduces latency due to encryption/decryption processes; not suitable for high-performance needs.
- Direct Connect Setup: Requires physical installation and can take weeks; plan ahead for deployment.
The architect view
- Use Direct Connect for critical applications requiring dedicated bandwidth and reliability.
- Use Site-to-Site VPN for flexibility and quick deployment, but monitor performance impacts.