AWS Direct Connect Reviews

Name: AWS Direct Connect
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.2 (7 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

7 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 7 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 63% 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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November 2024

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Featured reviews

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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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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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.

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Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 25, 2024

Valuable Features

AWS Direct Connect offers secure, encrypted connections with minimal latency and robust network performance. Users value easy migration, user-friendly interface, and low maintenance. The platform delivers reliable connectivity across multiple AWS regions, ensuring high availability and failover capabilities. It eliminates VPN security overhead, providing stable connections without extra configuration. The service's diversified links enhance connection quality, crucial for those requiring consistent performance and scalability.

"The most valuable feature of Direct Connect is its low latency to the users."
"The most valuable feature of Direct Connect is its low latency to the users."
"Direct Connect provides an improved connection quality and a diversified link, which contributes to high availability and failover capabilities."

Room for Improvement

Setup and configuration of credentials in AWS Direct Connect are complex. Terminologies need precision. Patch upgrades and additional BGP configuration present challenges. Promotion is insufficient, leading to unawareness of advantages. Connectivity across different networks requires facilitation. Stability is an issue. Traffic visibility and throughput security need enhancement, particularly for organizations needing more. Some users feel improvements are not necessary as it meets their requirements satisfactorily.

"There is no room for improvement in Direct Connect right now."
"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."

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 use AWS Direct Connect for migration of storage from traditional data centers to AWS, database and cloud storage, and creating virtual interfaces. They configure AWS resources, test connectivity and security, and support operations like QGIS, VoIP calls, instance monitoring, and application deployment. It facilitates cloud-to-on-premises data center connections, although its use for connecting multiple clouds has decreased. Users deploy EC2, RDS, S3, VPN, DynamoDB, VPC, and various protocols.

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 easy, especially for those familiar with it, while others struggled due to architectural complexities and security configurations. Training was recommended, with setup time varying from a week to several months depending on location and existing infrastructure. Guidelines and documentation were noted as helpful, although BGP configuration posed challenges. Some organizations benefited from having dedicated departments to streamline and maintain connections.

Scalability

AWS Direct Connect is highly scalable according to various entities. Large enterprises and organizations with numerous users find it meets their needs effectively. Many entities highlight its capability to support a significant number of users, though smaller organizations may have fewer actively using it. While some aren't deeply invested in AWS, they still acknowledge its scalability. No mentions of issues indicate a consistent acknowledgment of scalability across different scenarios.

Stability

Users find AWS Direct Connect stable, and its stability is noted during migration and networking tasks. Some users mention experiencing glitches during patch upgrades, suggesting room for improvement. Many rate stability high, often at nine. Highly available and reliable, AWS Direct Connect operates smoothly without significant bugs or breakdowns.

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

22%

Computer Software Company

18%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Educational Organization

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Construction Company

Performing Arts

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Healthcare Company

Logistics Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Non Profit

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm

Engineering Company

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.