What is AWS Direct Connect?
AWS Direct Connect establishes a dedicated network connection between your data center or office and AWS. Unlike VPN connections over the internet, Direct Connect offers consistent latency, higher bandwidth, and predictable network performance.
Direct Connect bypasses the public internet and connects your infrastructure directly to AWS via private fiber connections. This is ideal for hybrid cloud architectures, large data transfers, and latency-sensitive applications.
Core Features
- Dedicated Bandwidth: Dedicated Connections with 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 100 Gbps, or 400 Gbps
- Consistent Latency: Predictable performance without internet jitter
- Private VIFs: Private access to VPCs without public internet
- Transit VIFs: Connection to multiple VPCs via Transit Gateway
- MACsec Encryption: Layer-2 encryption for sensitive data
Typical Use Cases
Hybrid Cloud Architecture: Securely connect your data center to AWS VPCs. Direct Connect provides the bandwidth and reliability needed for enterprise workloads running both on-premises and in AWS.
Large Data Transfers: Transfer terabytes of data regularly between on-premises and AWS. At high data volumes, Direct Connect can be more cost-effective than internet-based transfers since inbound data transfer to AWS is free.
Latency-Sensitive Applications: For applications like real-time data processing, video streaming, or financial applications, Direct Connect provides the low and consistent latency that VPN cannot guarantee.
Benefits
- Consistent network performance instead of variable internet latency
- Free inbound data transfer lowers costs at high data volumes
- Bandwidth up to 400 Gbps for the most demanding workloads
- Higher SLA tiers achievable through redundant connections at different locations
Integration with innFactory
As an AWS Reseller, innFactory supports you with AWS Direct Connect: location analysis, provider selection, network design, and implementation of redundant hybrid architectures.
Typical Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS Direct Connect?
AWS Direct Connect is a dedicated network connection between your data center and AWS. Unlike VPN over internet, Direct Connect offers consistent latency, higher bandwidth, and predictable performance.
What speeds are available?
Direct Connect offers connections from 50 Mbps to 400 Gbps. Dedicated Connections (1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 100 Gbps, 400 Gbps) are physical connections. Hosted Connections offer flexible bandwidth starting at 50 Mbps through partners.
How long does setup take?
Provisioning a Dedicated Connection typically takes 30 to 60 days. Hosted Connections through partners can be available faster, often within days to weeks.
Is Direct Connect encrypted?
Direct Connect itself is not encrypted. For encrypted connections, you can run Site-to-Site VPN over Direct Connect (Direct Connect + VPN) or use MACsec for Layer-2 encryption.
What does AWS Direct Connect cost?
Billing is based on port hours for the provisioned connection plus outbound data transfer per GB, depending on location and destination region. Inbound data transfer to AWS is free. Exact rates vary by bandwidth and connection type (Dedicated or Hosted Connection).
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of AWS (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by AWS.