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AZ-500: What Are the Key Differences Between Site-to-Site VPN and ExpressRoute for Connecting to Azure?

How Do You Connect an On-Premises Datacenter to an Azure VNet?

Learn the right ways to connect your on-premises datacenter to an Azure site for the AZ-500 exam. Explore the differences between a Site-to-Site VPN, ExpressRoute, and a Point-to-Site VPN for secure hybrid networking.

Question

Which of the following can be used to connect your on-premises datacenter to an Azure site?

A. Site-to-Site VPN
B. ExpressRoute
C. Point-to-Site VPN
D. A and B

Answer

D. A and B

Explanation

Both Site-to-Site VPN and ExpressRoute can connect your on-premises network to an Azure VNET.

Both Site-to-Site VPN and ExpressRoute are primary methods for establishing a persistent, secure connection between an entire on-premises network (a datacenter or office) and an Azure Virtual Network. The choice between them depends on requirements for bandwidth, latency, security, and cost.

  • Site-to-Site (S2S) VPN: This creates an encrypted IPsec/IKE tunnel over the public internet. It connects your on-premises VPN device (such as a router or firewall) to an Azure VPN Gateway deployed in your virtual network. This method is suitable for extending your on-premises network to Azure and is a common solution for hybrid connectivity.
  • ExpressRoute: This provides a private, dedicated connection between your on-premises infrastructure and the Microsoft global network through a connectivity provider. It does not traverse the public internet, offering higher bandwidth, lower and more predictable latency, and greater reliability compared to a S2S VPN. ExpressRoute is designed for enterprise-scale workloads that require a high-performance, private link.
  • Point-to-Site (P2S) VPN: This method is incorrect for this scenario because it is designed to connect a single client computer to an Azure Virtual Network. It is used for individual remote users who need to securely access Azure resources from anywhere, not for connecting an entire datacenter or site.

Microsoft AZ-500 certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the Microsoft AZ-500 exam and earn Microsoft AZ-500 certification.