AWS Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect is a cloud service solution that links your network to AWS specifically without using the public internet. It establishes a dedicated network connection from your premises to AWS.

Key Features

• Dedicated Connection: Private, physical fiber connection.
• Performance: Consistent network performance and lower latency (compared to internet).
• Security: Traffic does not traverse the public internet.
• Cost: Lower egress fees for high data transfer volumes.
• Redundancy: Can be used with a backup VPN connection.

Exam Tips

• "Dedicated physical connection": Answer is Direct Connect.
• "Consistent bandwidth/low latency needed": Answer is Direct Connect.
• "Hybrid connectivity": Direct Connect + VPN is a common pattern.
• "Takes time to setup": Physical setup can take weeks (unlike VPN).

Common Use Cases

• Hybrid Cloud: Extending on-premises data center to AWS.
• Large Data Transfers: Migrating large datasets where internet bandwidth is insufficient or expensive.
• Regulatory: Requirements prohibiting data from traversing the public internet.