AWS VPN vs Direct Connect: A Comprehensive Comparison

AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN: How do They Compare?

AWS Direct Connect and VPN are two of Amazon’s service options for IT professionals looking to connect their current data infrastructure to the Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Amazon’s connectivity process leverages either AWS Direct Connect or VPN, making these systems incredibly valuable to any company looking to take advantage of Amazon’s excellent services.

However, one option might be more suitable depending on your organizational needs. This article will help you determine which service is best for your business with a comprehensive breakdown of AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN. Let’s get started.

What are AWS Direct Connect and AWS VPN?

While they sound similar, there are essential differences between AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN systems. But what does each solution entail?

• AWS Direct Connect: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Direct Connect is a connection option that allows IT professionals to access AWS Cloud services from their company’s on-premises infrastructure. This system offers an alternative to using the Internet for businesses through a low-latency, secure, and private AWS connection.
• AWS SIte-to-Site Virtual Private Network (VPN): AWS-managed VPN, or AWS site-to-site VPN, is another option allowing businesses to develop an encrypted connection over the public Internet. Connecting the Amazon VPC to your company’s private IT infrastructure with a VPN ensures a secure branch between your data center and cloud resources.

Why It’s Important to Know the Difference

Knowing the difference between AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN is crucial to ensure that your company has the best solution. Let’s get into the primary differences between these options to help you determine if one or both are suitable for your business.

AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN: Performance

AWS Direct Connect and VPN perform differently, which will impact how you interact with your system.

Direct Connect Performance

AWS Direct Connect has a high performance and a bandwidth starting at 50 Mbps and going up to 100 Gbps. This system has low latency and minimal jitter (predictable number of hops).

VPN Performance

Compared to AWS Direct Connect, AWS VPN has a notably lower performance. The system has a medium bandwidth depending on Internet speeds, medium-high latency with an unpredictable number of hops, and a medium-high jitter with unknown hops and Internet congestion. AWS VPN reaches 4 Gbps but is often less.

AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN Performance: How do They Compare?

AWS Direct Connect provides businesses with more reliable and consistent performance than AWS VPN. While there are situations where you can sacrifice performance capabilities for other benefits, performance-reliant organizations should consider Direct Connect.

Connection and Network

The connection and network capabilities of AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN. Let’s look at how each option stacks up.

Setting Up a Virtual Private Gateway for Site-to-Site VPN Connectivity

AWS Site-to-Site VPN connections allow users to set up a connection through a private gateway. Setting up a virtual private gateway for site-to-site VPN connectivity is possible with the following steps:

1. Create a customer gateway
2. Create a target gateway
3. Configure your routing
4. Update your security group
5. Create a site-to-site VPN connection
6. Download the configuration file to your device
7. Configure the customer gateway device for your system

AWS CloudHub and VPC Peering

Another element of the AWS network and connection options are AWS CloudHub, which allows businesses to communicate safely site-to-site with the AWS VPN CloudHub. The VPN CloudHub can be used with or without a VPC and works via a hub-and-spoke model to provide primary or backup connectivity options. CloudHub is an appropriate approach for businesses with numerous branch offices and Internet connections.

The AWS VPC Peering connection option describes a network connection between two VPCs which enables routing with each VPC’s IP address. VPC Peering lets these systems operate like they would in the same network and can be created between your VPCs or with a VPC in a separate AWS account. Unlike VPN CloudHub, VPC Peering doesn’t traverse over the public Internet, reducing the likelihood of DDoS attacks and data threats.

Direct Connect Connection and Network

AWS Direct Connect differs from its VPN alternatives because the network does not fluctuate, offering businesses a more consistent and reliable experience during the connection and data transferring process. AWS Direct Connect connects through a fiber-optic network, making customer access effortless.

Security

Consider the different levels of security offered with AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN before deciding which is the better option for your business.

VPN Security

There are generally more security concerns when using AWS VPN because your network is connected to a public network. Because your traffic is sent over the Internet rather than a private dedicated network, security breaches are likelier than with AWS Direct Connect.

Direct Connect Security

AWS Direct Connect provides more advanced security than VPN connections because connections between the AWS VPC and the customer’s network are encrypted. Because Direct Connect doesn’t use a public network and relies on a private dedicated network, it is a safer option for businesses where security breaches are of serious concern.

AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN: Comparing Security

Though high-quality security for your data infrastructure is always essential, some businesses may benefit more from the added protection provided by AWS Direct Connect. In contrast, other businesses don’t necessarily need this high level of security.

For instance, businesses where data breaches could cause massive issues–such as financial businesses, government institutions, and healthcare facilities–benefit more from Direct Connect.

Use Cases

When is it best to use AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN? Consider some of the following use cases to decide which is most appropriate for your business.

For Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect serves numerous purposes and can benefit you depending on the situation. Some of the best use cases for AWS Direct Connect over VPN include the following:

• Transferring large data sets between your data infrastructure and AWS network, allowing for rapid data backup, real-time analysis, and efficient media processing
• Building a hybrid cloud network to link AWS Cloud operations with your on-premises infrastructure via a reliable, dedicated connection
• Powering your real-time applications that require specific performance needs

For VPN

Some organizations can benefit from only using the AWS VPN service. The following use cases are appropriate for using AWS VPN:

• Accessing your applications during cloud migration
• Quickly scaling remote access capabilities for individuals working remotely
• Establishing a secure connection between your IoT equipment and VPC resources

AWS Direct Connect vs. VPN: Which is Better for Your Business?

AWS Direct Connect and VPN could benefit your IT operations depending on your immediate and long-term needs. However, you also have the option to implement both solutions by using AWS Direct Connect + VPN to combine your dedicated network connections with your current Amazon VPC VPN. This option adds additional security that can significantly benefit your business.

Conclusion

AWS Direct Connect and VPN differ in a few key ways, most notably in how each system performs, each system’s network and connection capabilities, and the overall security each option provides. The level of security your business requires and whether you’re willing to sacrifice high performance for quicker access determines which is best for your business.

However, you can benefit from using both systems simultaneously rather than choosing one. Despite their differences, AWS Direct Connect and VPN work well together, providing advanced access and high-quality security for your needs.

Are you looking for more information on all things IT? Check out our guides to maximize your IT processes with i.e. Smart Systems.

i.e.Smart Systems is a Houston, TX based technology integration partner that specializes in design and installation of audio/visual technology and structured cabling. For more than three decades, our team of in-house experts has partnered with business owners, architectural firms, general contractors, construction managers, real estate developers, and designers in the Houston market, to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that align with their unique goals.