Hybrid cloud architecture requires reliable, high-performance connectivity between your colocation infrastructure and public cloud services. The three major cloud providers each offer dedicated interconnect products, but the best choice depends on your specific requirements.
AWS Direct Connect
AWS Direct Connect provides dedicated network connections from your colocation facility to AWS. Key features: – Speeds: 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and 100 Gbps options – Availability: 100+ Direct Connect locations globally – Pricing: Port hourly fee plus data transfer charges – LAG support: Link Aggregation Groups for higher throughput
Best for:
Large-scale data transfer, latency-sensitive applications, and consistent high-bandwidth workloads.
Azure ExpressRoute
Microsoft’s ExpressRoute offers private connectivity to Azure services: – Speeds: 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps – Global Reach: Connect ExpressRoute circuits across regions – Peering: Microsoft peering (Office 365, Dynamics) and private peering (Azure VNets) – ExpressRoute Direct: Dedicated 100 Gbps connectivity
Best for:
Microsoft-centric environments, Office 365 heavy usage, and multi-region Azure deployments.
Google Cloud Interconnect
Google offers two interconnect options: – Dedicated Interconnect: 10 Gbps or 100 Gbps physical connections – Partner Interconnect: Connectivity through supported service providers at lower bandwidth – Pricing: Simplified per-VLAN attachment model
Best for:
Data-intensive workloads, BigQuery and AI/ML pipelines, and organizations leveraging Google’s network backbone.
Making the Right Choice
The best interconnect strategy depends on your cloud provider mix, bandwidth requirements, latency sensitivity, and budget. Many enterprises use multiple cloud on-ramps to support multi-cloud architectures. Stacked AI helps you evaluate interconnect options alongside your colocation sourcing, ensuring your facility choice supports your connectivity strategy.