A Secure Connection to the Cloud
Meta Description: Azure ExpressRoute setup for the public sector. Secure connectivity, BSI C5 compliant, and datacenter migration to Azure with a dedicated line.
Why ExpressRoute is Essential for Public Authorities
The public internet is not an option. Sensitive government data requires dedicated connections. An Azure ExpressRoute setup provides this security through private lines, guaranteed bandwidth, and low latency.
Cloud migration for the public sector demands reliable connectivity. A datacenter migration to Azure only works with a stable connection. ExpressRoute delivers both: security and performance.
What Azure ExpressRoute Offers
ExpressRoute is a private connection that completely bypasses the internet. Data flows over dedicated lines, with carrier partners providing the infrastructure.
For the public sector, this means BSI C5 cloud requirements are met. The BSI-compliant cloud security concept can point to secure connectivity, strengthening KRITIS cloud security.
Understanding the Architecture
ExpressRoute Circuit
The circuit is the physical connection linking your data center to Microsoft. Various bandwidths are available, from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps.
Peering Types
Private Peering connects to Azure VNets, while Microsoft Peering reaches Microsoft 365. Both can be used in parallel.
Redundancy
High availability requires redundancy. Two circuits at different locations ensure automatic failover in case of an outage, meeting government SLAs.
Quick Checklist: ExpressRoute Setup
| Step | Task | Responsible |
| 1 | Determine Bandwidth Needs | IT Department |
| 2 | Select Carrier Partner | Procurement |
| 3 | Order Circuit | Carrier |
| 4 | Configure Azure | Cloud Team |
| 5 | Set Up Routing | Network Team |
| 6 | Implement Redundancy | Cloud Team |
| 7 | Activate Monitoring | Operations |
To-Do List for Secure Connectivity
- Today: Analyze current bandwidth usage.
- This Week: Research carrier options.
- This Month: Create the ExpressRoute design.
- Quarter 1: Commission the circuit.
- Quarter 2: Start migration over ExpressRoute.
Mastering Hybrid Scenarios
Not everything moves to the cloud at once. Hybrid architectures are a reality. ExpressRoute connects both worlds, allowing on-premises and Azure to work together.
A VMware to Azure migration particularly benefits, as large data volumes are transferred quickly. Replication runs in the background, and the cutover occurs without significant downtime.
Security at All Levels
ExpressRoute is secure by design, but additional measures are possible, such as encryption over the line and IPsec tunnels for extra protection.
IT baseline protection consulting recommends defense in depth. Multiple security layers, with ExpressRoute being one, are complemented by firewalls and segmentation.
Costs and Procurement
Azure ExpressRoute has two cost components: Microsoft charges for the circuit, and the carrier charges for the line. Both must be budgeted.
A cloud framework agreement can simplify procurement. A cloud migration tender should include connectivity. Cloud migration costs become transparent.
Insight42 Connectivity Services
We plan and implement ExpressRoute, from needs analysis to operation. Azure migration consulting includes connectivity.
Azure managed services monitor the connection with proactive monitoring and rapid response to issues, ensuring SLA-compliant operation.
Connect securely. Contact us.
Azure ExpressRoute Architecture
Figure: Azure ExpressRoute Architecture for Public Authorities
Blog Post 2: Multi-Cloud Connectivity – Combining ExpressRoute and Cloud Interconnect
Meta Description: Multi-cloud connectivity with Azure ExpressRoute and Google Cloud Interconnect. Secure connections for the federal multi-cloud strategy.
Multi-Cloud Needs Multi-Connectivity
The federal multi-cloud strategy is a reality. Azure and GCP are used in parallel. But how do you connect them securely? The answer: dedicated lines to both clouds.
Azure ExpressRoute for Microsoft and Google Cloud Interconnect for GCP. Both operate on similar principles and offer enterprise-grade security.
Understanding Google Cloud Interconnect
Cloud Interconnect is Google’s equivalent of ExpressRoute. Dedicated Interconnect provides physical connections, while Partner Interconnect uses carrier infrastructure.
Interconnect is crucial for GCP migration. Large data volumes must be transferred. GKE migration benefits from low latency. Google Cloud migration partners recommend dedicated connections.
The Architecture for Multi-Cloud
Central Network Hub
A hub connects everything: on-premises, Azure, and GCP. Routing is centrally controlled, and security is uniformly enforced.
ExpressRoute to the Azure Hub
Private Peering connects to Azure VNets. A hub-and-spoke topology distributes traffic. The Azure Landing Zone is the destination.
Interconnect to the GCP Hub
Use either Dedicated or Partner Interconnect. A Shared VPC receives the traffic. The GCP Landing Zone takes over.
Inter-Cloud Connection
Azure and GCP can also be connected directly through partner solutions or the central hub.
Quick Checklist: Multi-Cloud Connectivity
| Cloud | Connection Type | Bandwidth | Redundancy |
| Azure | ExpressRoute | As needed | Dual Circuit |
| GCP | Dedicated Interconnect | As needed | Dual Attachment |
| Inter-Cloud | Partner/Hub | As needed | Active-Active |
To-Do List for a Multi-Cloud Network
- Week 1: Conduct a traffic analysis.
- Week 2: Create a connectivity design.
- Week 3: Prepare the carrier tender.
- Month 1: Order ExpressRoute.
- Month 2: Order Interconnect.
- Month 3: Optimize routing.
- Month 4: Establish monitoring.
VPN as a Backup and Entry Point
Not every authority needs dedicated lines immediately. VPN is a valid entry point. A Site-to-Site VPN connects securely at a lower cost.
Azure VPN Gateway and Cloud VPN from GCP both support IPsec and offer high availability. They are often sufficient for smaller workloads.
The transition to ExpressRoute or Interconnect can happen later when bandwidth or latency become critical. Cloud migration consulting helps with the decision.
Connectivity Compliance
Being BSI C5 compliant also means secure connections. The BSI-compliant cloud security concept must address connectivity. Encryption is mandatory, even on dedicated lines.
A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for the cloud considers data flows. Where does data flow? Via which paths? These questions must be answered.
Optimizing Costs
Multi-cloud connectivity is not cheap, but it is necessary. FinOps approaches help with optimization. Traffic routing is analyzed, and costs are allocated.
A fixed-price for cloud migration can include connectivity. A cloud migration offer should be transparent. IT service providers for the public sector know the requirements.
Insight42 Multi-Cloud Network Services
We design multi-cloud networks, providing ExpressRoute and Interconnect from a single source for secure, performant, and cost-effective solutions.
Cloud managed services for authorities monitor the connections with proactive monitoring and rapid troubleshooting, guaranteed by SLAs.
Connect your clouds. Talk to us.
Figure: Multi-Cloud Connectivity with ExpressRoute and Interconnect
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Insight42 – Cloud Migration & Security Consulting
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