testing aws direct connect service in a lab environment

Question

Hello,

I'm trying to get hands on experience on how the direct connect service works. Is it possible to test the direct connect service in a lab setting?

I would like to get familiar with creating vpc's, vpgw, direct connect gateway, transit gateway, private/public/transit vifs etc.

Any help in this regard would be highly appreciated.

Thank You,
B

Answer

As I understand you require a physical connection in order to use AWS Direct Connect.  You can have two type of connection: [Dedicated Connection](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/directconnect/latest/UserGuide/dedicated_connection.html) and [Hosted Connection](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/directconnect/latest/UserGuide/hosted_connection.html). Direct Connect is used for faster, more reliable, and secure data transfers with lower latency, and also when you don't want to use the public internet.  If you already have the connection you will be billing only for what you use. [AWS Directg Connect pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/directconnect/pricing/). If you already have a connection established, you can proceed with configuration testing since you will be billing for what you use.

I create a table summarizing the key AWS networking services mentioned:

| Service                 | Description                                                                                                                                                 |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) | A segmented piece of the AWS cloud where you can launch resources in a defined virtual network, offering isolation and customization.                     |
| VGW (Virtual Private Gateway) | A gateway connected to your VPC for secure communication between the VPC and external networks, enabling access via the Internet or direct connections.   |
| Direct Connect Gateway  | Facilitates a connection between your AWS Direct Connect and multiple VPCs across regions, simplifying network architecture.                               |
| Transit Gateway        | Acts as a network hub, connecting VPCs and on-premises networks to simplify network management and reduce peering complexity.                             |
| VIFs (Virtual Interface) | * **Private VIFs:** Connect to VPC resources using private IPs.  * **Public VIFs:** Connect to public AWS services.  * **Transit VIFs:** Connect to a transit gateway for accessing multiple VPCs. |

Additional [here](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/directconnect/latest/UserGuide/Welcome.html#overview_requirements) you can find the Network requirements to use AWS Direct Connect.

Answer

Is it possible to test the aws direct connect service in a sandbox environment?

Service	Description
VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)	A segmented piece of the AWS cloud where you can launch resources in a defined virtual network, offering isolation and customization.
VGW (Virtual Private Gateway)	A gateway connected to your VPC for secure communication between the VPC and external networks, enabling access via the Internet or direct connections.
Direct Connect Gateway	Facilitates a connection between your AWS Direct Connect and multiple VPCs across regions, simplifying network architecture.
Transit Gateway	Acts as a network hub, connecting VPCs and on-premises networks to simplify network management and reduce peering complexity.
VIFs (Virtual Interface)	* Private VIFs: Connect to VPC resources using private IPs. * Public VIFs: Connect to public AWS services. * Transit VIFs: Connect to a transit gateway for accessing multiple VPCs.

testing aws direct connect service in a lab environment

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