AWS Direct Connect Reference Architecture

AWS Direct Connect Reference Architecture is a diagrammatic reference. It shows how to set up and use private, transit, and public Virtual Interfaces (VIFs) through Direct Connect Gateways. These are the pieces which connect your network to AWS. 
 

Think of it as a blueprint. It shows you an accurate picture of everything that makes it up, your routers, the AWS gateways, the cross‑connect at the Direct Connect location, and the VPCs. It also shows you several courses of action you can take, depending on what you need. 
 

For example: 

• If you only require access to a single VPC, you access a Virtual Private Gateway (VGW) directly through a private VIF. 

• If you need to connect to multiple VPCs in regions, you can use a Direct Connect Gateway with private VIFs. 

• If you require more flexible routing between multiple networks, you can use Transit VIFs through a Transit Gateway. 

• And to connect to AWS public services like S3 or DynamoDB, you can use a Public VIF. 
   

Why this template is a game changer ?

Without a clear map, it is difficult to implement hybrid cloud networks. You will end up creating your own charts, looking through many documents, and still be unable to find anything. This template brings everything together in one sentence. 

It is a game changer because: 

• It makes you visualize the pieces coming together. 

• It minimizes errors since you are working with a tested template. 

• It has plans for multi‑VPC and multi‑region, so you can scale later. 

• It shows how to prepare for high availability using more than one connection. 

It is a fast reference for network engineers and a time-saver. It makes the topic matter easier for someone who is not that technical. 
 

Who can use this template, and when? 

This template is useful in most cases: 

• Businesses that have data centers are considering relocating some of their workloads to AWS. 

• Organizations that need pervasive, low-latency connections for high-bandwidth data transfer. 

• Those organizations with multi‑region networks or with multiple VPCs. 

• Organizations that require access to both private resources (like VPCs) and public AWS services in a secure manner. 

The best time to use this template is during planning. When you are building your network, evaluating options, or speaking to others about your plan, this guide will help you choose the right setup. It is also useful when you are changing your existing connection or moving from a standard VPN to Direct Connect. 
 

What are the main components of the template ?

These are the significant elements brought forth in the reference architecture: 

• Private VIFs to VGWs: These connect your on-premises network to a VPC directly. It is simple and ideal for single VPC deployments. 

• Private VIFs with a Direct Connect Gateway: Instead of linking to a single VPC, you can link to multiple VPCs, even across different regions, using a Direct Connect Gateway. 

• Transfer VIFs via Transit Gateways: This allows for more flexible routing. You can connect multiple VPCs and even VPNs. It can grow with your network. 

•  Public VIFs: These enable you to link to AWS public services like S3 or DynamoDB through Direct Connect. You can also add an IPSEC VPN for added security. 

• DX sites, cross-connects, and customer or partner routers: These are your physical and logical positions where your network is attached to AWS. At a Direct Connect location, your equipment attaches to AWS via a cross‑connect, and that attaches to these VIF and gateway solutions. 
   

How to begin with Cloudairy ?

It's simple to use this template with Cloudairy: 

• Deploy AWS Direct Connect Reference Architecture on Cloudairy. 

• Look at the diagram and read the notes. 

• Map the components of the architecture to your network. 

• Select which VIF alternatives meet your needs, private, transit, or public. 

• Develop your gateways and links step by step. 

• Call for a checklist at the time of installation so that nothing is missed. 

Cloudairy makes it easy for you by offering you a pre-made template. You can use it to share your plan with your team or to see your design in advance before implementing it. 
 

Summary 

AWS Direct Connect Reference Architecture is a simple and compact reference for anyone who wants a dedicated network connection from their own premises to AWS. It brings together many various design patterns in one location, so it is easy and straightforward to create and support a hybrid cloud connectivity environment. 

It covers:  

• Private, transit, and public VIFs Direct.  

• Connect Gateways and Transit.  

• Gateways Mechanisms for reaching one or more VPCs, even across regions. 

•  How to use private resources along with public AWS services.  

With this guide, you can build a network that is secure, reliable, and expandable. It eliminates the guesswork, simplifies your planning, and allows you to build an infrastructure that can grow your workloads with confidence.