Introduction
Connecting on-premises infrastructure to Azure securely and reliably is fundamental to any hybrid cloud architecture. Microsoft Azure offers two primary connectivity options: Azure ExpressRoute and Azure VPN Gateway. Each has distinct advantages, cost profiles, and use cases. Choosing the right option — or the right combination — is a critical architectural decision that Ozy Solutions helps clients navigate.
What Is Azure VPN Gateway?
Azure VPN Gateway creates encrypted tunnels over the public internet between your on-premises network and Azure virtual networks. Site-to-site VPN connections use IPsec/IKE protocols to create persistent encrypted tunnels. Point-to-site VPN allows individual devices to connect to Azure. VPN Gateway is quick to set up, cost-effective for moderate bandwidth requirements, and provides good security through encryption.
What Is Azure ExpressRoute?
Azure ExpressRoute is a private, dedicated network connection between your on-premises infrastructure and Azure that does not traverse the public internet. ExpressRoute connections are established through connectivity providers at co-location facilities. They offer guaranteed bandwidth, lower and more consistent latency than internet connections, and can carry very high bandwidth — up to 100 Gbps with ExpressRoute Direct.
When to Choose VPN Gateway
VPN Gateway is appropriate for organizations with moderate connectivity requirements — bandwidth up to a few Gbps, tolerance for the latency variability of internet connections, and limited budget for dedicated connectivity. Development and test environments, branch offices with modest bandwidth needs, and point-to-site access for remote workers are all well-served by VPN Gateway.
When to Choose ExpressRoute
ExpressRoute is the right choice when your workloads require guaranteed bandwidth, consistent low latency, or transfer of large data volumes between on-premises and Azure. Mission-critical applications with strict performance SLAs, large-scale data migration projects, and organizations with strict data privacy requirements that prohibit internet traversal are all strong candidates for ExpressRoute.
Conclusion
The right hybrid connectivity choice depends on your bandwidth, latency, reliability, and budget requirements. Ozy Solutions designs hybrid connectivity architectures that match your specific needs. Contact us to evaluate your connectivity options.
Learn more about our Azure Hybrid Cloud services or visit Ozy Solutions to get started today.
