Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute for Research & Education

Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute

Direct private Azure connectivity for research and education

Connect to Microsoft Azure using fast reliable private connections

ExpressRoute allows you to create private connections between Azure data centres and infrastructure at your institution or in a colocation environment. ExpressRoute connections bypass the public internet and travel over a private connection, which means they offer greater reliability, faster speeds, lower latencies, and higher security than typical Internet connections.

Why Azure ExpressRoute via AARNet?

AARNet provides cloud connectivity as part of its role operating Australia’s national research and education network, enabling institutions to choose the cloud platforms that best meet their needs.

Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute is offered as part of AARNet Cloud Connect, delivering dedicated, high-performance access to Azure for Australian research and education institutions.

ExpressRoute Connectivity Partner

As a ExpressRoute Connectivity Partner, AARNet is authorised to set up fast, reliable, private connections between your on-premise infrastructure and Microsoft Azure.

Consistency

Provides a consistent network experience for accessing the business-critical applications and digital tools your staff, students, faculty and researchers rely on.

Flexibility

Choice of high-performing options for connecting your campus, data centre or colocation environment with Azure. We help you choose the right solution to match your needs.

Cost efficiencies

Leverages existing AARNet infrastructure. In some cases, using ExpressRoute connections to transfer data between on-premise systems and Microsoft cloud services can reduce costs.

How AARNet connects your campus to Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute

Connection options

AARNet is an ExpressRoute Connectivity Partner, providing network connectivity to Azure data centres in Sydney and Melbourne, and on request, to Azure data centres in Canberra.

Direct Connections

AARNet delivers high-capacity private connections up to 100 Gbps to Microsoft Azure using Layer-2 and Layer-3 Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. The choice and design of your direct connection option/s is dependent on how you plan to manage and integrate your Microsoft cloud services with other cloud infrastructure. AARNet can assist with these choices and implementation.

IPSec VPN over the internet

AARNet supports IPSec VPN connectivity to Azure using its peering relationship with Microsoft between your equipment and the Azure cloud. Using the IPSec protocol ensures the connection is encrypted and your data is secure.

Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute - Direct Connections bidirectional tunnel car light trails

Charges and fees

The following charges relate to AARNet connectivity services. Microsoft Azure service charges are set independently. “On-net” traffic refers to data that remains on the AARNet network, allowing high-performance, unmetered access for eligible research and education institutions.

Microsoft understands the need for academia to better manage costs when transitioning from traditional licensing to a consumption-based model, and has established an Internet egress fee waiver for qualified research and education institution customers. (Conditions and limits apply to this offer and customers are advised to confirm pricing directly with Microsoft)

Contact us for details

Ready to get connected?

For a quote or more information about how AARNet can help with your Azure ExpressRoute requirements, please contact our team.

Contact us about Azure ExpressRoute

Resources and related services

Azure ExpressRoute is part of AARNet Cloud Connect and complements AARNet Internet and Private Connections by providing dedicated cloud access over the national research and education network.

If you’re comparing cloud connectivity options across providers, see AARNet Cloud Connect for an overview of all supported services.