AWS Direct Connect Reviews

Name: AWS Direct Connect
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.2 (6 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

6 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is AWS Direct Connect?

AWS Direct Connect offers secure, low-latency, and high-speed connectivity for migrating storage, managing databases, and creating virtual interfaces, supporting users' cloud operations efficiently.

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AWS Direct Connect is the #12 ranked solution in top Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions. PeerSpot users give AWS Direct Connect an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 6 most recent AWS Direct Connect reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.1. AWS Direct Connect is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiClient: AWS Direct Connect vs Fortinet FortiClient. AWS Direct Connect is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 64% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 22% of all views.

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Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

October 2024

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Featured reviews

RANJAN KUMAR

DevOps Engineer at ZoomOps Technology

Sometimes, we face problems in creating a setup or installing AWS Direct Connect. We select a Direct Connect gateway, then create a Direct Connect gateway, then attach the gateway with the VPC, and create a customer gateway. Sometimes, it creates an issue, but we completely create and install the solution. I would recommend the solution to other users. AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated physical network connection. After establishing a physical connection, we can create a virtual interface to connect to our virtual private cloud in AWS. We provide private network connectivity for accessing resources within our VPC. We can configure the solution to create a hybrid network that combines the private connectivity of AWS Direct Connect with the flexibility of a VPN connection. It is useful where redundancy and failover are critical. Overall, I rate the solution ten out of ten.

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Cuneyt-Gurses

Cloud architect at DTech Cloud

In our experience, AWS offers a robust portfolio of AI services that cater to a wide range of needs. They provide two primary AI services, which are quite comprehensive and deeply integrated. AWS provides many options and functionalities for those looking to leverage AI, especially for complex applications like chain AI. Comparing AWS with Azure, the choice largely depends on specific use cases and organizational requirements. We've found AWS particularly strong in generative AI and other advanced AI capabilities, which are crucial for our security and monitoring needs. It's essential to assess these factors carefully to ensure the chosen platform aligns effectively with your AI deployment goals and operational strategies. I rate it a seven out of ten.

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John Walvine Rata

IT Group Head at Vantage Financial

We use the solution for database and cloud storage The solution is easy to migrate and has a user-friendly interface. The solution's terminologies could be more precise. They should improve this particular area. Also, the patch upgrade process could be better. We have been using the solution…

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AWS Direct Connect mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of AWS Direct Connect in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 2.4%, down from 6.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Oct 22, 2024

Valuable Features

AWS Direct Connect is valued for high security and speed, making it superior to typical network setups. Migration is seamless with an intuitive interface. Users find it stable without the need for VPN security configurations, offering low latency and SLAs. It allows private communication over a public network with robust performance, ensuring minimal latency and strong connectivity across regions. Managed service advantages include low maintenance, scalability, improved connection quality, and failover capabilities.

"Direct Connect provides an improved connection quality and a diversified link, which contributes to high availability and failover capabilities."
"The platform's most valuable feature for us is its robust network performance."
"AWS Direct Connect provides a secure and encrypted connection over the internet."

Room for Improvement

AWS Direct Connect needs easier setup and configuration of credentials, along with more precise terminologies. The patch upgrade process requires improvement, as does the handling of additional BGP configuration. It lacks widespread recognition of its advantages. Stability issues are notable, and connectivity from different networks is limited. Users seek enhanced traffic visibility and higher throughput security for organizations with demands beyond current capabilities.

"I would like to see better traffic visibility and higher throughput security, especially for organizations that require more than what the current limit allows."
"The platform's stability needs improvement."
"It would be good if we could connect AWS Direct Connect from different networks."

ROI

AWS Direct Connect significantly decreased latency and data transfer costs, making connections faster and more reliable. Users noted substantial improvements in application performance and network connectivity, leading to enhanced user experiences and efficiency. The direct link to AWS cloud services facilitated better bandwidth management, resulting in reduced downtime and enhanced scalability. Additionally, AWS Direct Connect provided a stable and dedicated connection, reinforcing security and ensuring consistent service availability with noticeable cost savings.

Pricing

AWS Direct Connect pricing includes port hour fees and data transfer charges, varying by port speed and region. Users find the service reliable for dedicated network links, but costs can increase with higher data usage. Connectivity charges are based on the port speed, and higher speeds incur higher rates. Data transfer out charges also apply, making it crucial for enterprises to assess their bandwidth needs and usage patterns to manage costs effectively.

"It has reasonable pricing in terms of the features offered."
"It is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize AWS Direct Connect for migrating data from traditional data centers to AWS, handling database and cloud storage requirements, and establishing virtual interfaces. It aids in configuring AWS resources, testing connectivity, and ensuring security. Additionally, it supports operations such as QGIS, VoIP calls, instance monitoring, and application deployment. Some entities connect their cloud infrastructure to on-premises data centers through AWS Direct Connect, although usage for interconnecting multiple clouds has reduced.

Service and Support

Customers find AWS Direct Connect's customer service efficient and responsive. The support team handles inquiries quickly and provides detailed assistance, resulting in a positive experience for users. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable staff and helpful response times, which make technical issues easier to resolve. The communication from AWS Direct Connect's support team is clear and straightforward.

Deployment

Many found AWS Direct Connect’s initial setup challenging, especially when linking to existing data centers and configuring security policies. Some users reported a setup duration of five to six months. Initial training is recommended, typically taking a week. BGP configuration is challenging, yet guidelines assist. Setup time varies based on infrastructure; fiber connections take around two weeks, while new constructions delay completion. Departments often manage projects, offering users a single contact point for connectivity.

Scalability

AWS Direct Connect is regarded as scalable. Many enterprises and organizations with varying user counts express satisfaction with its scalability. It easily accommodates both small and large user groups, making it a preferred choice for entities with diverse needs. Its architecture supports expansion, highlighting its capability to manage different workloads efficiently. Even those with limited AWS investment find it adaptable, aligning well with unique organizational requirements.

Stability

AWS Direct Connect is perceived as quite stable by users. While some mention occasional glitches during patch upgrades, many find it highly available and reliable. With 15 members using it for migration and networking, the platform receives high ratings for stability but users note there is room for improvement.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

22%

Computer Software Company

18%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Insurance Company

Educational Organization

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Logistics Company

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Transportation Company

Engineering Company

Leisure / Travel Company

Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Mining And Metals Company

Compare AWS Direct Connect with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect enhances migration processes by providing a stable and encrypted connection, facilitating database management, cloud storage operations, and virtual interface creation. It supports testing connectivity and security, as well as operational tasks in QGIS, VoIP calls, instance monitoring, and application deployment across multiple AWS regions. Offering a user-friendly approach, it ensures minimal latency and reliable connectivity, making resources and communications accessible privately over the Internet.

What are the most important features?

High Security: Ensures encrypted and private connections for sensitive data transfers.
Low Latency: Provides rapid data transfer, reducing waiting periods and bottlenecks.
Stable Connectivity: Guarantees reliable access to AWS resources across regions like Ohio.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies management and configuration processes.
Slas: Offers service-level agreements to ensure performance standards.

What benefits or ROI should users look for in the reviews?

Enhanced Security: Users should expect secure data transmission with encryption.
Increased Speed: Look for feedback on faster data transfer compared to traditional networks.
Improved Uptime: Reviews should highlight consistent and reliable connectivity.
Efficient Management: Check for comments on easy configuration and control.

AWS Direct Connect is utilized across industries like GIS for QGIS operations, telecommunications for VoIP calls, and IT services for instance monitoring and application deployment. Its robust performance and security make it suitable for challenging environments requiring dependable data transfer and connectivity.