2.3. Hybrid Cloud Connectivity

Hybrid cloud architectures involve seamlessly connecting your on-premises data centers or networks with your AWS Cloud environment. This enables businesses to leverage both existing infrastructure and the agility/scalability of the cloud. This section explores the various AWS services that facilitate secure and reliable hybrid connectivity, allowing you to extend your enterprise network into the cloud.

Scenario: A company needs to connect its on-premises data center to its AWS VPCs to enable applications to access both on-premises databases and cloud resources. They need to choose the most appropriate connectivity solution based on requirements for security, performance, and cost.

💡 First Principle: Secure and reliable hybrid cloud connectivity bridges on-premises and AWS environments, enabling seamless data flow, extending enterprise networks, and supporting flexible workload deployment across both locations. This ensures business continuity and optimal resource utilization.

This section explores the primary AWS services for hybrid cloud connectivity: AWS Site-to-Site VPN, AWS Client VPN, and AWS Direct Connect.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Choosing a connectivity solution based solely on cost without considering performance, reliability, or security requirements. A cheaper VPN might not meet the needs of a mission-critical, high-throughput workload.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Performance/Security (Direct Connect) vs. Cost/Flexibility (VPN): Direct Connect offers superior, consistent performance and security but comes with higher costs and longer setup times. A Site-to-Site VPN is cheaper and faster to deploy but relies on the public internet, leading to variable performance.

Reflection Question: How do secure and reliable hybrid cloud connectivity options (e.g., Site-to-Site VPN, Direct Connect) fundamentally bridge on-premises and AWS environments, enabling seamless data flow and supporting flexible workload deployment across both locations?