AWS Direct Connect Reviews

Name: AWS Direct Connect
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.3 (8 reviews)

4.3 out of 5

8 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 8.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 8 most recent AWS Direct Connect reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.4. 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 21% of all views.

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Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Flavio Gomes Figueira Camacho Junior

Network Engineer at Telecall

AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial because it helps me use our infrastructure for databases and testing while leveraging AWS's computing power for production purposes. I also do not need to expose management of our machines to the public internet, enhancing security by using a private connection.

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Priyam Vaidya

AWS Administrator at Vohra Wound Physicians

I am utilizing EC2, RDS, S3, VPN, DynamoDB, VPC, and a variety of protocols The most valuable feature of Direct Connect is its low latency to the users. It also provides stable connectivity to AWS, which is essential for our requirements. There is no room for improvement in Direct Connect right…

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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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AWS Direct Connect mindshare

As of December 2024, the mindshare of AWS Direct Connect in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 2.2%, down from 5.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Dec 17, 2024

Valuable Features

AWS Direct Connect offers secure, encrypted connections with low latency and robust network performance. Users appreciate its direct connection between on-premise infrastructure and AWS, leveraging AWS's computing power for production while maintaining private connections. They find it easy to migrate with a user-friendly interface, providing stable, reliable connectivity across multiple regions. Its managed service benefits include low maintenance, high availability, scalability, and improved connection quality with high availability and failover capabilities. Configuration complexity is noted but valued.

"AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure."
"AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure."
"The most valuable feature of Direct Connect is its low latency to the users."

Room for Improvement

AWS Direct Connect could benefit from easier credential setup and configuration. Clarifying terminologies and enhancing the patch upgrade process are suggested improvements. Additional enhancements could include simplifying BGP configurations and boosting platform stability. Users would appreciate better traffic visibility, increased throughput security, and the ability to connect from various networks. Expanding data center locations would enhance usability. While some find Direct Connect meets current needs, these improvements could broaden its appeal and effectiveness.

"Having more locations could improve the convenience of using the service."
"AWS Direct Connect is straightforward and performs well for me."
"There is no room for improvement in Direct Connect right now."

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

Entities primarily use AWS Direct Connect to migrate storage from data centers to AWS. They establish virtual interfaces, configure resources, and test connectivity and security. Direct Connect is utilized for database management, cloud storage, and operations like QGIS, VoIP, instance monitoring, and application deployment. It also connects cloud environments to on-premises systems. Previously, it connected multiple clouds, but that usage has discontinued. Various protocols and AWS services such as EC2, RDS, and VPC are also employed.

Service and Support

AWS Direct Connect's service is generally good. Some users find response times for customer service could improve. Many report not needing to escalate issues to technical support. Amazon's support team receives positive feedback, yet others handle tasks automatically without needing assistance.

Deployment

Some users found AWS Direct Connect's initial setup challenging, especially when integrating with existing data centers, requiring several months. Security policies and credentials posed issues. Others noted ease, citing available documentation. Users emphasized the importance of training, as BGP configuration can be tricky. Timeframes varied, from one week to several weeks depending on circumstances. For those familiar with Direct Connect, setup was deemed straightforward. A centralized department aids maintenance via standard processes.

Scalability

AWS Direct Connect is highly scalable, accommodating up to hundreds of users or varying load. Many enterprises find it meets their requirements, while smaller entities see it as overkill. Users can connect with interfaces up to hundred gigabit, enabling necessary growth. The service earns high marks for scalability from many perspectives, supporting numerous organizational contexts. Users confirm that AWS infrastructures maintain consistent scalability with no issues, making it reliable for all kinds of expansions.

Stability

AWS Direct Connect is largely described as stable by most users, with minimal issues reported. Several users highlighted no problems with bugs or breakdowns, ensuring high availability. While some mentioned minor glitches during patch upgrades, the platform consistently provided reliable service. It has been used effectively for migration and networking purposes, with some rating its stability highly but noting room for enhancement in foreseeability.

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

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

21%

Computer Software Company

18%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Insurance Company

Educational Organization

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

Construction Company

Performing Arts

Media Company

Healthcare Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Engineering Company

Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm

Mining And Metals Company

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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.