Connectivity models ​

You can create a connection between your on-premises network and the Microsoft cloud in four different ways.

• CloudExchange Co-location
• Point-to-point Ethernet Connection
• Any-to-any (IPVPN) Connection
• ExpressRoute Direct

Connectivity providers may offer one or more connectivity models.

ExpressRoute using a Service Provider

• Uses service providers to enable fast onboarding and connectivity into existing infrastructure
• Integrates with hundreds of providers including Ethernet and MPLS
• Circuits SKUs from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps
• Optimized for single tenant

ExpressRoute Direct

• Requires 100 Gbps/10 Gbps infrastructure and full management of all layers
• Direct/Dedicated capacity for regulated industries and massive data ingestion
• Customer may select a combination of the following circuit SKUs on 100-Gbps ExpressRoute Direct:
  • 5 Gbps 10 Gbps 40 Gbps 100 Gbps
• Customer may select a combination of the following circuit SKUs on 10-Gbps ExpressRoute Direct:
  • 1 Gbps 2 Gbps 5 Gbps 10 Gbps
• Optimized for single tenant with multiple business units and multiple work environments

Co-located at a cloud exchange ​

If you are co-located in a facility with a cloud exchange, you can order virtual cross-connections to the Microsoft cloud through the co-location provider’s Ethernet exchange.

Co-location providers can offer either Layer 2 cross-connections, or managed Layer 3 cross-connections between your infrastructure in the co-location facility and the Microsoft cloud.

Point-to-point Ethernet connections ​

You can connect your on-premises datacenters/offices to the Microsoft cloud through point-to-point Ethernet links. Point-to-point Ethernet providers can offer Layer 2 connections, or managed Layer 3 connections between your site and the Microsoft cloud.

Any-to-any (IPVPN) networks ​

You can integrate your WAN with the Microsoft cloud. IPVPN providers (typically MPLS VPN) offer any-to-any connectivity between your branch offices and datacenters. The Microsoft cloud can be interconnected to your WAN to make it look just like any other branch office. WAN providers typically offer managed Layer 3 connectivity.

ExpressRoute Direct ​

You can connect directly into the Microsoft's global network at a peering location strategically distributed across the world. ExpressRoute Direct provides dual 100 Gbps or 10-Gbps connectivity, which supports Active/Active connectivity at scale.

ExpressRoute Direct gives you the ability to connect directly into Microsoft’s global network at peering locations strategically distributed around the world. ExpressRoute Direct provides dual 100 Gbps or 10-Gbps connectivity, which supports Active/Active connectivity at scale. You can work with any service provider for ExpressRoute Direct.

Key features that ExpressRoute Direct provides includes:

• Massive Data Ingestion into services like Storage and Cosmos DB
• Physical isolation for industries that are regulated and require dedicated and isolated connectivity like: Banking, Government, and Retail
• Granular control of circuit distribution based on business unit

Using ExpressRoute direct vs using a Service Provider