Azure ExpressRoute is a service that establishes private, high-bandwidth network connectivity between Azure data centers and on-premises IT environments. This service is particularly critical in hybrid scenarios where SAP workloads are distributed across cloud and on-premises environments. Using Azure ExpressRoute for SAP workloads can provide higher security, reliability, and speeds compared to typical internet-based connections. This article will guide you on how to design and configure Azure ExpressRoute for hybrid connectivity.
Azure ExpressRoute Overview
Before delving into the detailed steps of design and configuring, it’s essential to understand Azure ExpressRoute’s crucial aspects. Azure ExpressRoute enables secure and seamless integration of Azure services, like Azure Virtual Machines and Azure SQL Database, with on-premises infrastructures. This is done through a private, dedicated, high-throughput network link hosted by an ExpressRoute partner.
Azure ExpressRoute provides the following benefits for SAP workloads:
- Bypassing public internet, thus increasing security.
- Reduction in networking latency which can be beneficial for performance-sensitive applications.
- Improved reliability and speed, providing a consistent and predictable performance.
- Extended network perimeter to the cloud through private connectivity.
Designing Azure ExpressRoute for SAP Workloads
Connectivity Models
There are two common models for connecting your on-premises network to Azure using ExpressRoute – CloudExchange Co-location model and Point-to-point Ethernet connection model. SAP workloads being resource-intensive, the CloudExchange Co-location model is recommended as it provides higher bandwidth options.
ExpressRoute Circuits
Each ExpressRoute connection comprises of one or two ExpressRoute circuits. To provide higher resiliency for mission-critical SAP applications, it’s recommended to establish two ExpressRoute circuits.
Peering
To enable connectivity between your on-premises network and Azure, peering needs to be configured. By configuring Microsoft peering, you’ll be able to connect to Microsoft cloud services, such as Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365.
Configuring Azure ExpressRoute for SAP Workloads
Once the design considerations are taken into account, you can begin the configuration process. The steps outlined below provide a broad overview of how to configure Azure ExpressRoute for SAP workloads:
- Setup an ExpressRoute circuit: The first step is to set up an ExpressRoute circuit in the Azure portal. Systems administrators can follow this process by navigating to the ExpressRoute circuits page and configuring the circuit parameters (like name, subscription, resource group, location, etc.).
- Establish physical connectivity: Reach out to the ExpressRoute partner to establish the physical connectivity between your on-premises network and Azure.
- Configure peering: Depending on your network architecture and needs, configure either private peering (for private network connectivity with your Virtual Network in Azure), public peering (if you want to connect to Azure services over the public internet), or Microsoft peering (to connect to other Microsoft cloud services).
- Link VNET to the ExpressRoute circuit: Configure Azure Virtual Network (VNET) to link with the ExpressRoute circuit.
- Validate the connection: After successfully setting up the circuit and peering, use the connectivity toolkit to validate your connection to Azure.
Implementing Azure ExpressRoute carefully in the context of SAP workload can result in significant benefits towards achieving a robust, performance-oriented hybrid connectivity between your on-premise environment and Azure cloud. It can transform your business operations by delivering unparallel speed, reliability, security, and private network access to Azure services, which is critical for running SAP workloads seamlessly.
Practice Test
True or False: Azure ExpressRoute offers private, secure, and high-speed connections between on-premises environments and Azure.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure ExpressRoute provides private network connectivity from a user’s on-premises networks into Microsoft Azure.
Which of the following Azure ExpressRoute configurations offer the highest bandwidth by default?
- a) ExpressRoute Direct
- b) ExpressRoute Premium
- c) ExpressRoute Standard
- d) ExpressRoute Local
Answer: a) ExpressRoute Direct
Explanation: ExpressRoute Direct provides high bandwidth connectivity up to 100 Gbps.
True or False: Microsoft peering is used to access Azure Services such as Azure storage and SQL Database over ExpressRoute.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft peering is used to access Microsoft online services like Office 365 and Dynamics Azure services are accessible via Azure Private peering.
What is the maximum number of routes that can be advertised to Azure private peering through BGP?
- a) 100
- b) 4000
- c) 400
- d) 10000
Answer: b) 4000
Explanation: The maximum number of routes that can be advertised to a private peering through BGP is up to 4,000 routes.
True or False: An Azure ExpressRoute connection can be shared across multiple Azure subscriptions.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure ExpressRoute connections can be used by one or more subscriptions within the same Azure Active Directory tenant.
Which peering type is necessary for connecting to Microsoft cloud services like Microsoft 365?
- a) Azure public peering
- b) Azure private peering
- c) Microsoft peering
- d) None of the above
Answer: c) Microsoft peering
Explanation: Microsoft peering type is used to connect to Microsoft cloud services like Office 365 and Dynamics
True or False: Azure ExpressRoute Premium is an add-on feature available on the Standard Tier.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure ExpressRoute Premium is an add-on feature to the ExpressRoute circuits in the Standard Tier and is not available separately.
What is the highest bandwidth provided by Azure ExpressRoute?
- a) 100 Gbps
- b) 1 Gbps
- c) 10 Gbps
- d) 50 Gbps
Answer: a) 100 Gbps
Explanation: Azure ExpressRoute direct can provide up to 100 Gbps bandwidth for high speed connections.
True or False: Azure ExpressRoute ensures data never crosses the internet.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure ExpressRoute provides a private, highly secure and dedicated connection between the on-premises network and Azure, bypassing the public internet.
Which offering provides physical cross connections to Azure networks at an Enterprise edge (EE) Site?
- a) ExpressRoute Global Reach
- b) ExpressRoute Direct
- c) ExpressRoute Local
- d) ExpressRoute Standard
Answer: c) ExpressRoute Local
Explanation: ExpressRoute Local is an Azure ExpressRoute offering that provides direct physical cross connections to Azure networks at an Enterprise edge (EE) site. It is designed to significantly reduce data transfer costs.
Interview Questions
What is Azure ExpressRoute?
Azure ExpressRoute is a service that offers a private, dedicated and high-throughput network connection from on-premises environments to Azure via service providers.
What types of ExpressRoute circuits can be used with SAP workloads?
For SAP workloads, it is recommended to use Premium ExpressRoute circuits. Premium circuits provide a higher number of routes and enhanced global connectivity.
Can ExpressRoute be used with other connectivity methods like VPN?
Yes, ExpressRoute can be coexisted with Site-to-Site virtual private network (VPN) connections for a hybrid cloud setup and redundancy.
What is the importance of mapping ExpressRoute circuits to Azure subscriptions in SAP deployments?
Mapping ExpressRoute circuits to Azure subscriptions is crucial in SAP deployments because it provides control over the network paths and allows efficient bandwidth utilization.
How can data be transferred over ExpressRoute?
Data can be transferred over ExpressRoute using either a Layer 3 IP VPN or a Layer 2 Ethernet VPN.
Can ExpressRoute provide connectivity to Microsoft cloud services beyond Azure?
Yes, Azure ExpressRoute can also provide connectivity to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365.
How many ExpressRoute circuits should be provisioned for High Availability?
For High Availability, it is recommended to provision two ExpressRoute circuits from two different peering locations.
What is the SLA for Azure ExpressRoute?
Microsoft offers a 99.9% SLA on the connectivity of ExpressRoute.
Why should ExpressRoute Global Reach be enabled in an SAP scenario?
ExpressRoute Global Reach should be enabled to connect on-premises sites across the globe directly through an Azure region.
What is needed to create an ExpressRoute circuit?
The prerequisites for creating an ExpressRoute circuit are an Azure subscription and verification of the service provider/location where the circuit will be created.
How does Azure ExpressRoute connection improve performance for SAP Workloads?
Azure ExpressRoute provides faster speeds, lower latencies and more reliable connections compared to public internet, which enhance performance of SAP workloads.
Can we resize the ExpressRoute circuits?
Yes, ExpressRoute circuits can be resized based on the bandwidth requirements.
What is the role of Azure Private Peering in ExpressRoute?
Azure Private Peering is used to connect to Azure services hosted in a Virtual Network and enable communication between Azure and your on-premises network.
How to secure data transmitted via ExpressRoute?
While ExpressRoute provides a private route to Azure, it’s recommended to apply additional security measures such as using Azure Network Security Groups and Firewall to secure the data.
What is Microsoft Peering in the context of ExpressRoute?
Microsoft Peering is used to connect to Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft 365, over ExpressRoute.
extutorials.com