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Azure ExpressRoute

Updated Nov 16, 2020 ·

Overview​

Microsoft ExpressRoute is a powerful solution for extending on-premises networks into Azure, providing a private connection facilitated by third-party connectivity providers.

Unlike traditional site-to-site connections that traverse the public internet, ExpressRoute ensures enhanced security, reliability, and speed.

Connectivity Options​

  • Any-to-Any Network

    • Establish connectivity from any network to Azure.

  • Point-to-Point Ethernet Network

    • Direct, dedicated connection between on-premises and Azure.

  • Virtual Cross-Connection

    • Facilitated through a connectivity provider at a co-location facility.

Connecting to ExpressRoute​

There are four ways to connect to Azure using ExpressRoute. It all comes down to where you have your IT infrastructure.

  • ExpressRoute Location

    • Known as ExpressRoute Direct.
    • Many organizations put at least some of their IT systems in a colocation facility, which is a datacenter that rents space to multiple customers.
    • Microsoft has designated some of these colocation facility as an ExpressRoute location
    • Connect directly to Microsoft's network via a Microsoft Enterprise Edge device.
    • Supports high bandwidths of 10 or 100 gigabits per second.

  • Cloud Exchange Location

    • Connect through a Service Provider.
    • If you are in a peering location or a “cloud exchange”, but you need less than 10 gigabits per second of bandwidth,
    • Offers bandwidth options between 50 megabits and 10 gigabits per second, with the service provider managing certain aspects of the connection.
    • The service provider can also take care of some of the management tasks involved
    • If not in an ExpressRoute location, connect to Microsoft's network through a service provider.

  • IPVPN Provider

    • Some organizations use an IPVPN provider to connect their branch offices and datacenters to their core network.
    • This is called any-to-any connectivity.

  • Leased Line

    • Rent a leased line from a point-to-point Ethernet provider to connect your datacenter to an ExpressRoute location.

Additional Features​

  • Connecting to Microsoft 365

    • ExpressRoute can also be used to connect to Microsoft 365, although direct connection needs are less common than for Azure.

  • ExpressRoute Global Reach

    • Connect branch offices worldwide through the Microsoft network, bypassing the internet.
    • Additional costs apply for this feature.

Key Benefits​

  • Enhanced Security

    • Connections bypass the public internet.

  • Global Connectivity

    • Access Microsoft cloud services across all regions with the ExpressRoute premium add-on.

  • Dynamic Routing with BGP

    • Enables dynamic routing between on-prem networks and Microsoft.

  • Built-in Redundancy

    • Ensures higher reliability with a 99.95% connection uptime SLA for dedicated circuits.

Bandwidth Options​

Choose from a range of ExpressRoute circuit bandwidths:

  • 50 Mbps
  • 100 Mbps
  • 200 Mbps
  • 500 Mbps
  • 1 Gbps
  • 2 Gbps
  • 5 Gbps
  • 10 Gbps

Scalability Bonus Increase bandwidth without tearing down existing connections.

Billing Models​

  • Unlimited Data Billing

    • Monthly fee offering unlimited inbound and outbound transfer.

  • Metered Data Billing

    • Monthly fee with free inbound data transfer; outbound data transfer charged on a per-GB basis.

ExpressRoute Premium Add-On​

  • Route Limits

    • Increases Azure public and private peering route limits from 4,000 to 10,000.

  • Global Connectivity

    • Expands connectivity globally (excluding national clouds).

  • vNet Links

    • Raises the default limit of 10 vNet links per circuit based on circuit bandwidth.

For more information, please see ExpressRoute FAQ