AZ-104 Exam EP 22: ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the key concepts and capabilities of Azure ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN as discussed in the AZ-104 Exam EP 22 video. Understanding these technologies is essential for Azure Administrators, as they enable secure and efficient network connectivity between on-premises environments and Azure.

Step 1: Understand ExpressRoute

ExpressRoute is a service that provides a private connection between your on-premises infrastructure and Azure. It bypasses the public internet, offering better security, reliability, and speed.

Key Features of ExpressRoute

• Private Connectivity: Establish a dedicated connection to Azure that does not traverse the public internet.
• Improved Security: Enhanced security due to isolation from the public internet.
• Higher Reliability: Offers a more consistent network experience with lower latency and higher availability.

Step 2: Explore ExpressRoute Capabilities

ExpressRoute comes with various capabilities that enhance its functionality.

Capabilities Include:

• Global Reach: Connect to Microsoft services globally through a network of partners.
• ExpressRoute Circuits: Create multiple circuits for redundancy and performance.
• Coexistence with Site-to-Site VPN: You can run both ExpressRoute and Site-to-Site VPN simultaneously for flexibility in network design.

Step 3: Coexisting Site-to-Site and ExpressRoute

It is possible to have both ExpressRoute and Site-to-Site VPN connections active simultaneously. This setup can serve as a backup solution or for specific use cases.

Implementation Tips

• Ensure proper routing configurations to avoid conflicts.
• Monitor performance impacts, as both connections can share bandwidth.

Step 4: Compare Intersite Connections

Understanding the differences between various intersite connections is critical for effective network design.

Connection Types

• ExpressRoute: Best for large bandwidth needs and secure connections.
• Site-to-Site VPN: Suitable for smaller, less critical workloads with lower costs.

Step 5: Learn About Virtual WANs

Azure Virtual WAN is a networking service that provides optimized and automated branch connectivity.

Features of Virtual WAN

• Centralized Management: Manage all your VPN and ExpressRoute connections from a single interface.
• Scalability: Easily scale your network as your organization grows.
• Integrated Security: Leverage Azure's security features for your network traffic.

Conclusion

In summary, Azure ExpressRoute and Virtual WAN provide robust and secure networking solutions for Azure environments. By understanding their capabilities and how they coexist, you can design a more effective Azure infrastructure. Consider experimenting with these technologies in a test environment to gain hands-on experience. If you're preparing for the AZ-104 exam, ensure you are comfortable with these concepts, as they are critical for any Azure Administrator.