AZ-104 Exam EP 20: Azure Vnet Peering

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of configuring Azure VNet Peering, an essential skill for Azure Administrators preparing for the AZ-104 exam. VNet Peering is crucial for enabling communication between Azure Virtual Networks (VNets) while maintaining high performance and security.

Step 1: Understand VNet Peering

• VNet Peering allows two Azure VNets to communicate with each other.
• Peering can be established between VNets in the same region or in different regions.
• Understand the following key benefits:
  • Low latency and high-bandwidth connection.
  • No need for public IP addresses.
  • Traffic remains on the Microsoft backbone network.

Step 2: Explore Gateway Transit and Connectivity

• Gateway Transit enables the use of a virtual network gateway in one VNet to route traffic to another VNet.
• This is particularly useful when you want to connect multiple VNets through a single VPN gateway.
• Key points to consider:
  • Ensure that both VNets are configured to allow gateway transit.
  • Verify that the gateway is properly set up in the primary VNet.

Step 3: Configure VNet Peering

1. Navigate to the Azure portal and select the first VNet you want to peer.
2. In the left menu, click on "Peerings" and then "Add."
3. Enter the following details:
   • Name for the peering connection.
   • Select the second VNet to peer with.
4. Choose the following options:
   • Allow forwarded traffic if needed.
   • Enable gateway transit if applicable.
5. Click "OK" to create the peering connection.
6. Repeat the process in the second VNet's settings to establish a two-way connection.

Step 4: Implement Service Chaining

• Service Chaining allows you to route traffic through various services in Azure, such as firewalls or other security appliances.
• When configuring this, keep in mind:
  • Ensure all VNets involved in the chain are peered.
  • Properly configure network security groups (NSGs) to allow necessary traffic.
  • Monitor performance and security across the chain.

Conclusion

You have now learned the essentials of Azure VNet Peering, including its benefits and how to configure it effectively. Understanding VNet Peering is vital for optimizing network performance and security within Azure environments. As a next step, consider exploring related topics such as Azure network security and VPN configurations to further enhance your Azure skills.