Public Endpoints
A public endpoint, also identified as a public IP address, is an IP address that is directly accessible over the Internet. It’s a network interface that has a route to a public network like the Internet.
There are two types of public IP addresses – static and dynamic. Static IPs do not change until they are disassociated or deleted. On the other hand, dynamic IPs can change each time they are restarted.
Azure services like Azure Virtual Machines, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway, Application Gateway use Public IP addresses to communicate with other resources.
Let’s consider an example of a Virtual Machine. When we create a VM, it is assigned a public IP address (static or dynamic) to allow external traffic to communicate with the VM over the internet. The public IP address connects to the VM through the Network Interface.
The structure set up in Azure would look somewhat like this:
Internet <-> Public IP address <-> Network Interface <-> Virtual Machine
Private Endpoints
A private endpoint is a network interface within a specific Virtual Network and subnet. Azure Private Endpoint offers a secure and scalable way to access Azure Service Resources over a private IP address in your Virtual Network.
In comparison to public endpoints, the private endpoint is, by design, not accessible over the Internet. Instead, it offers secure connectivity for clients on the same Virtual Network, a peering network, or an on-premises network through ExpressRoute or VPN Gateway.
Let’s consider an example of Azure Storage Account service. By default, the storage account will take requests from all networks, hence having public endpoints. To secure this, we can use Azure Private Link to create a private endpoint in the Virtual Network. The traffic between the storage service and the VNet is routed privately, not over the internet.
The structure set up in Azure would look somewhat like this:
Virtual Machine <-> VNet <-> Private Endpoint <-> Storage Account
Comparison
| Public Endpoint | Private Endpoint | |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Accessibility | Yes | No |
| Endpoint Type | Network Interface with route to public network | Network Interface within a specific VNet and subnet |
| Used With(s) | Virtual Machines, Load Balancer, VPN Gateway, Application Gateway | Azure storage, SQL Database, Web Apps |
| Route | Internet <-> Public IP Address <-> Network Interface <-> Resource | Resource <-> VNet <-> Private Endpoint <-> Virtual Network |
In conclusion, understanding public and private endpoints’ fundamental differences helps you manage network communications effectively and securely in Azure. Public Endpoints offer routes that are accessible via the internet, while Private Endpoints provide secure routes within a specific Virtual Network and subnet. This knowledge is essential for passing the AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam as these concepts underpin Azure’s networking model.
Practice Test
True or False: A public endpoint in Azure is an endpoint that can be accessed over the internet.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A public endpoint in Azure is essentially a gateway to the internet. It can be accessed from anywhere across the globe, provided the user has the right credentials.
True or False: Private endpoints are accessible only to applications and services within the Azure network.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Private endpoints in Azure provide secure and private IP address access to a service. It’s not accessible over the internet meaning that it can only be accessed from within the network boundary.
In Azure, a private endpoint is essentially a(n) ___________.
- a) Gateway to the internet
- b) Network interface
- c) Online database
- d) Email server
Answer: b) Network interface
Explanation: A private endpoint in Azure is a network interface that allows the Azure service to be accessed over a private IP in your VNet.
Which of the following is a benefit of using private endpoints in Azure?
- a) An increased number of connections allowed.
- b) Reducing latency within the network.
- c) Enhanced privacy and data protection.
- d) All of the above.
Answer: c) Enhanced privacy and data protection.
Explanation: By enabling access over a private IP within your VNet, private endpoints significantly increase security and data protection.
True or False: Public endpoints in Azure can’t be secured.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Even though Public endpoints are accessible over the internet, security can still be implemented through strategies like IP firewalls, virtual network firewalls, etc.
True or False: Private endpoints eliminate the need for data to travel over the broader internet.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Private endpoints in Azure allow service access through a private IP. This eliminates the need for data to travel over the public internet thus enhancing security.
Public and private endpoints in Azure are used for _____.
- a) Data encryption
- b) Setting up firewalls
- c) Connecting to networks
- d) Data analytics
Answer: c) Connecting to networks
Explanation: Endpoints in Azure provide ways to connect with and access network services, both privately and publicly.
Public endpoints are suitable for accessing _____.
- a) Broad global services
- b) Restricted information
- c) Internal communication systems
- d) Storage blobs with secure private data
Answer: a) Broad global services
Explanation: Public endpoints provide access to the internet, hence can be used for accessing broad global services.
True or False: Data through the public endpoint in Azure is not secure.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Data through the public endpoint is as secure as the measures employed by the user. Security measures such as firewalls, IP restrictions, and others can enhance the security of public endpoints.
True or False: Azure service in a virtual network can be privately accessed by other resources in the network through the private endpoint.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: With the help of a private endpoint, an Azure service in a VNet can be privately accessible by other resources in the same network.
Interview Questions
What is a public endpoint in Azure?
A public endpoint in Azure is an access point that can be reached from the internet. It facilitates the connection between an Azure resource service and an external entity, usually over a public IP address.
How would you define a private endpoint in Azure?
A private endpoint in Azure is a network interface that connects you privately and securely to a service powered by Azure Private Link. This network interface has an IP address from your virtual network and effectively brings the service into your VNet.
How does Azure Private Link contribute to private endpoints?
Azure Private Link enables you to access Azure PaaS Services, like Azure Storage, and Azure SQL Database over a private endpoint in your virtual network. It provides secure and direct access over a private IP address, isolating your traffic from the public internet.
What is the key difference between a public and a private endpoint in Azure?
The key difference between a public and private endpoint in Azure is network accessibility. A public endpoint is accessible over the internet while a private endpoint is accessible only within a defined virtual network.
What are the advantages of using a private endpoint in Azure?
Private endpoints in Azure provide increased security and network isolation by keeping data off the public internet. They also improve reliability by maintaining connectivity even if the public internet goes down.
How can you secure a public endpoint in Azure?
You can secure a public endpoint in Azure by implementing Azure’s built-in controls like network security groups, application security groups, and service endpoint policies. You can also use application gateway web application firewalls (WAF) to provide further security measures.
What are Azure’s service endpoints?
Azure service endpoints are a subnet-level feature that enable you to secure Azure services over a direct connection to your virtual network, effectively bringing Azure services into your virtual network.
What is the significance of NAT rules in the context of public endpoint in Azure?
Network Address Translation (NAT) rules are used in Azure to translate public IP addresses and port numbers of incoming packets into private IP addresses and ports. They play a significant role in controlling the flow of data between devices connected to the public endpoint.
Can you connect to private endpoints from outside the virtual network?
Yes, you can connect to private endpoints from outside the virtual network, but you need to configure a VPN or ExpressRoute circuit for that connectivity.
What is ‘Azure Private Link’ in terms of private endpoints?
Azure Private Link is a service in Azure that lets you connect your virtual network to Azure services through a private endpoint, providing private and secure connectivity.
How can you monitor traffic to and from your private endpoint in Azure?
You can monitor traffic to and from your private endpoint in Azure using Azure Monitor and Azure Network Watcher. These services provide insights into your network performance and health.
Can private endpoints in Azure be integrated with on-premise networks?
Yes, private endpoints in Azure can be integrated with on-premise networks. You need to configure a VPN or an ExpressRoute circuit to make the Azure service appear as a service in your on-premises network.
What is the role of Azure DNS private zones with private endpoints?
Azure DNS private zones provide a reliable, secure DNS service to manage and resolve domain names in a virtual network without needing a custom DNS solution. When a private endpoint is created, a corresponding DNS record is created in an Azure DNS private zone that resolves the private endpoint’s IP.
Can you use private endpoints with Azure Storage?
Yes, you can use private endpoints with Azure Storage to ensure secure access to your storage account over a private network connection.
How is Azure Private Link different from VPN or ExpressRoute?
Azure Private Link provides private connectivity from a virtual network to Azure services. Unlike VPN or ExpressRoute, it eliminates exposure to the public internet. Also, unlike VPN/ExpressRoute, it doesn’t require any encryption or overhead usually associated with those connections, making it more efficient.
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