Reach AWS Direct Connect Using Internet2 and Regional Networks
Uses your regional’s infrastructure, in conjunction with the Internet2 Network, to reach Amazon AWS Direct Connect’s cloud resources.
Reach AWS Direct Connect using Cloud Connect, leveraging Internet2 and your regional’s infrastructure to allow shared, dedicated Layer 2 and Layer 3 access with up to 5Gbps of connectivity. 10G connections to Amazon Direct Connect are available via RPI.
Internet2 Peer Exchange
The Internet2 Peer Exchange (I2PX) provides Layer 3 routed access to Amazon via direct peering with these providers. Consider using the I2PX when accessing cloud providers if your applications don’t require your campus private network to be extended into the cloud. Additionally, if your application requires network layer encryption implemented with VPN tunneling, the I2PX can provide multiple high capacity paths for your tunnels into these cloud providers.
Using your regional’s infrastructure in conjunction with the Internet2 Network, you can reach cloud resources, including Amazon AWS Direct Connect. The robust regional and national networks allow access to these cloud providers available in the locations on the map (please see below). Depending on your preference, you can implement either a Layer 2 or Layer 3 solution. In addition, you will need to subscribe to the cloud provider’s service.
Connecting to Amazon AWS Direct Connect
Internet2 offers both a layer 2 and a layer 3 connectivity option.
Layer 2 Amazon AWS Direct Connect Connection
The layer 2 option consists of layer 2 VLANs connecting the campus routers to routers inside the Amazon AWS cloud. The campus and Amazon exchange routes via BGP.
Layer 3 Amazon AWS Direct Connect Connection
With the layer 3 option, Internet2 creates an L3VPN unique for each campus. The L3VPN BGP peers with Amazon AWS and the campus, in turn, BGP peers with the L3VPN. The regional network, if any, passes the VLANs through between the campus and Internet2. One advantage of this option will be discussed further below.
Additional Layer 3 Connectivity
Another advantage of the Layer 3 option is the possibility of connecting to other Amazon AWS regions and other cloud service providers. In this case, the Internet2 L3VPN peers with the additional sites/providers and the campus simply continues to peer with the L3VPN over the existing VLANs. Doing this with Layer 2 would require possibly many additional VLANs connecting the campus to provider routers.
Using Cloud Connect Portal
To learn how to use the Cloud Connect Portal, see the video here.
Subscriber Information
Eligible Subscribers:
Sponsors:
Email:
cloudconnect_request@internet2.edu
Contact:
Linda Roos
Subscribers (42):
Big Ten Academic Alliance OmniPoP
Bowdoin College
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
Carnegie Mellon University
CEN (Connecticut Education Network)
CENIC (Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California, The)
College of the Ozarks
Duke University
Eckerd College
Emory University
FLR (Florida LambdaRail, LLC)
Georgia Institute of Technology
GPN (Great Plains Network)
Indiana University
Iowa State University
Johnson County Community College
Kansas State University
Louisiana Board of Regents / LONI (Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure)
MARIA (Mid-Atlantic Research Infrastructure Alliance)
MAX (Mid-Atlantic Crossroads)
MCNC
Penn State (Pennsylvania State University, The)
San Diego State University
SoX (Southern Crossroads)
Sun Corridor Network (Arizona)
Tufts University
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
University of California – Los Angeles
University of California – San Diego
University of California – San Francisco
University of Maryland – Baltimore
University of Memphis, The
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
University of North Carolina (RENCI)
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas – Arlington
University of West Florida
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University