2.2.11 Describe Azure ExpressRoute

Description of Azure ExpressRoute.

ExpressRoute extends on-prem networks into the cloud over a private connection. This is called an ExpressRoute Circuit. This lets you connect offices, datacenters, or other facilities to the Microsoft Cloud. Each location will have its own ExpressRoute Circuit.

Connectivity can be from any-to-any network, a point-to-point Ethernet network or a virtual cross-connection. ExpressRoute does not cross the public internet.

Features and Benefits of ExpressRoute

• Connectivity to Microsoft cloud across all regions in the geopolitical region

• Global connectivity to Microsoft services across all regions with the ExpressRoute Global Reach

• Dynamic routing from your network to Microsoft via BGP

• Built-in redundancy

Connectivity to MS Cloud Services

• Microsoft Office 365

• Microsoft Dynamics 365

• Azure Compute Services

• Azure Cloud Services like Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Storage

Global Connectivity

ExpressRoute Global can be used to connect ExpressRoute circuits. ExpressRoute Global can connect sites in Asia to Europe for example.

Dynamic Routing

Uses BGP to exchange routes which enables dynamic routing from your on-prem network to services running in the Microsoft Cloud.

Built-in Redundancy

Each connectivity provider uses redundant devices to ensure connections with Microsoft are highly available.

ExpressRoute Connectivity Models

• CloudExchange colocation

• Point-to-Point Ethernet connection

• Any-to-Any connection

• Directly from ExpressRoute sites

Colocation at Cloud Exchange

This is when your datacenter, office or other facility is located at a cloud exchange like an ISP. You can request a virtual cross-connect to the MS cloud.

Point-to-Point Ethernet Connection

Point-to-point ethernet connection uses a point-to-point connection to connect your facility to the Microsoft cloud.

Any-to-Any Networks

Allows integration of a WAN with Azure by providing connection to offices and datacenters.

Directly from ExpressRoute Sites

ExpressRoute Direct provides dual 100Gbps or 10-Gbps connectivity to Microsofts global network. This supports active/active connectivity at scale.

Security Considerations

Data doesn't travel over the public internet, ExpressRoute is a private connection. However, DNS queries, certificate revocation list checking and Azure CDN requests are still sent over the public internet.