Azure ExpressRoute Global ReachNetwork

Azure ExpressRoute Global Reach: Overview and Configuration Example

Azure ExpressRoute Global Reach extends the capabilities of Azure ExpressRoute to enable private connectivity between geographically dispersed locations. It facilitates communication between on-premises networks connected to ExpressRoute circuits in different geopolitical boundaries. Here's a detailed overview of Azure ExpressRoute Global Reach along with a configuration example:

Features of Azure ExpressRoute Global Reach

  1. Global Network Connectivity:

    • Enables private connectivity across global ExpressRoute circuits, allowing communication between on-premises locations in different regions.

  2. Private Peering:

    • Utilizes private peering to establish private connections between on-premises networks, maintaining privacy and security.

  3. Transitive Routing:

    • Supports transitive routing, allowing traffic to flow through multiple ExpressRoute circuits to reach the destination.

  4. Hub-and-Spoke Topology:

    • Facilitates the creation of hub-and-spoke network architectures for centralized connectivity and traffic control.

  5. Centralized Management:

    • Provides centralized management of ExpressRoute connections and circuits through the Azure Portal.

Configuration Example

Let's configure Azure ExpressRoute Global Reach between two ExpressRoute circuits in different regions:

  1. ExpressRoute Circuit Setup:

    • In the Azure Portal, navigate to the "ExpressRoute circuits" section.
    • Create ExpressRoute circuits for each on-premises location. Ensure that each circuit is associated with a different geopolitical region.

  2. Provider Configuration:

    • Coordinate with the ExpressRoute service provider to configure the necessary settings for each ExpressRoute circuit.

  3. Create Private Peering:

    • In the configuration of each ExpressRoute circuit, set up private peering with the respective on-premises network.
    • Ensure that the IP addresses used for the private peering are unique and do not overlap.

  4. Enable ExpressRoute Global Reach:

    • In the configuration of each ExpressRoute circuit, enable ExpressRoute Global Reach.
    • Specify the peer's AS number and the connection key provided by the ExpressRoute service provider.

  5. Hub-and-Spoke Topology (Optional):

    • If deploying a hub-and-spoke architecture, configure one ExpressRoute circuit as the hub and the others as spokes.
    • Ensure that transitive routing is allowed for traffic to flow through the hub to reach other spokes.

  6. Routing Considerations:

    • Configure routing on on-premises routers to route traffic through the ExpressRoute circuits appropriately.

  7. Transitive Routing (Optional):

    • Test transitive routing by sending traffic between on-premises locations connected to different ExpressRoute circuits.

  8. Monitor Connectivity:

    • Monitor connectivity using Azure Network Watcher or other monitoring tools to ensure that traffic flows as expected.

  9. Centralized Management:

    • Manage and monitor all ExpressRoute circuits and connections centrally through the Azure Portal.

  10. Clean Up Resources:

    • Once done, clean up resources by deleting the ExpressRoute circuits or specific resources as needed.
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